Massachusetts AI and Technology Center for Connected Care in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (MAITC): Pilot (AD ADRD Focus)

PROJECT SUMMARY: AD/ADRD Pilot Core The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Core plays a central role in achieving the goals of the Massachusetts AI and Technology Center for Connected Care in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (MAITC) by identifying, selecting, advising, and helping to translate innovative pilot projects that use emerging

AI-enhanced technologies to address clinically and societally unmet needs in AD/ADRD. The AD/ADRD Pilot Core will draw on the collective clinical, scientific, and technical expertise within MAITC and the valuable input of our Stakeholder Core and Industry Advisory Board to complete the following specific aims: 1) Solicit and

select the most meritorious pilot studies that will develop and test novel AI-enhanced technologies that address clinically important questions in AD/ADRD; 2) Provide mentorship, oversight, and resource supports for pilot project investigators; 3) Assist pilot project investigators in refining their methods and translating their

technologies for clinical, industry, and research use. The AD/ADRD Pilot Core Leaders (Drs. Jasmeer Chhatwal and Deborah Blacker) will work MAITC’s other core leaders to coordinate and oversee the pilot project process. The AD/ADRD Pilot Core will solicit pilot projects from the training programs, departments, and

centers at universities and research institutions across the nation, drawing on an extensive pool of existing investigators who have expertise in areas such as neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, technology, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Example topic areas for AD/ADRD pilot projects include: (1) Assessing

cognitive impairment-related safety concerns in the patient's home environment; (2) Assessing responses to medical and behavioral interventions and promotion of healthy, potentially-protective behaviors in patients with cognitive impairment; and (3) Informing critical but difficult decisions regarding level-of-care transitions and the

need for caregiving assistance inside or outside the home. Once selected, each pilot project leader will be assigned two mentors (at least one of whom will have AD/ADRD clinical expertise) who will provide research guidance and facilitate access to needed resources. The AD/ADRD Pilot Core will work with the other MIATC

cores and the AITC Coordinating Center to ensure scientific integrity, rigor and reproducibility, and to facilitate IRB approvals, human subject safety, financial management, and regulatory approvals. The AD/ADRD Pilot Core will help pilot investigators identify critical next steps to move their innovations closer to clinical and

research use. To this end, we will provide resources to pilot investigators to refine their technologies, make industry contacts, and develop new grant proposals to accelerate the movement of novel technologies towards the ultimate goal of the AD/ADRD Pilot Core—to improve the care and quality of life for patients and caregivers

affected by AD/ADRD.