According to the Alzheimer’s Association (@alzassociation) 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and this week’s Friday Five is dedicated to helping raise awareness and inspire action to support the fight against the disease.
PopHealth Week: Robots, AI, and Dementia Care – From Engineering Lab to Population Health Strategy
On this episode Fred and Gregg welcome Xiaopeng Zhao, PhD, Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mississippi, whose research bridges artificial intelligence, robotics, and dementia care. Topics: Dr. Zhao discusses how machine learning techniques are being used to analyze complex EEG brainwave data to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, patterns invisible to the human eye but accessible through advanced signal processing. Beyond diagnostics, his lab is deploying humanoid robotic systems to assist individuals with dementia during everyday activities such as making coffee or brushing teeth, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and improve quality of life. The conversation explores “lost moments”, short-term lapses in memory that disrupt daily functioning, and how AI systems might identify and respond to them in real time. Dr. Zhao also addresses usability challenges, patient acceptance, and the importance of human-centered design in deploying assistive technologies. With dementia affecting millions worldwide, this episode examines both the promise and practical realities of integrating AI and robotics into population health strategies.
Linus Health Digital Cognitive Assessments Meet or Surpass New CEOi Benchmarks for Early Cognitive Impairment Detection
Linus Health, an AI-driven brain health company focused on early detection and proactive intervention, announced that its digital solutions meet or exceed the performance criteria suggested in recent recommendations from the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease (CEOi) for clinic-based digital cognitive assessments.
Take the (re)think your brain™ 6-Step Challenge
Sign up for the (re)think your brain™ 6-Step Challenge for a simple guide to better brain health. Learn positive, everyday actions that fit your life and may help lower the risk of dementia.
10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain
Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer’s and dementia. Incorporate some or all of these habits into your life to help maintain a healthy brain. Take charge of your brain health today — it’s never too early or too late to start.
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives.
