Age Tech round up: the latest research and developments

Age Tech World explores the latest developments in the field of age technology and research.

AI paves the way for personalised treatments in ageing science

A collaborative study has investigated how advanced AI tools, like Large Language Models, can make it easier to evaluate interventions for ageing and provide personalised recommendations.

Specifically, the study investigated how AI can analyse data more efficiently and accurately, by proposing a comprehensive set of standards for AI systems to ensure they deliver accurate, reliable, and understandable evaluations through their ability to analyse complex biological data.

The researchers, from Rostock University Medical Center, say the findings could have far-reaching effects for healthcare, enabling the discovery of more effective and safer treatments and the design of better clinical trials.

Alzheimer’s blood test receives FDA breakthrough device designation

An Alzheimer’s Disease blood test has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device Designation.

The test, developed by Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, is designed to aid healthcare providers identify patients with amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease by measuring the ratio of phosphorylated tau protein (p-Tau217) to β‑Amyloid 1-42 – two key biomarkers implicated in the neurodegenerative processes of the condition.

US$35m to expand ageing-in-place platform

A new technology platform that is aiming to improve how older adults live and age safely in their own homes has raised US$35m.

The Helper Bees’ platform delivers a network of non-medical products and services for older adults nationwide directly into the home, such as in-home caregiving, home modifications, groceries and meals, pest control, housekeeping, and transportation.

The funding will help expand the platform’s reach and accelerate entrance into new markets, like Medicaid.

Gugliucci takes office as the Gerontological Society of America’s president

Marilyn Gugliucci, of the University of New England (UNE) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) has been installed as the new president of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The organisation is the US’s largest interdisciplinary organisation for the field of aging. Gugliucci was elected by GSA’s membership, which consists of 6,000 researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals.

Gugliucci is a professor and the director of Geriatrics Education and Research at the UNE COM as well as the founding director of U-ExCEL older adult fitness/wellness programme.

She co-chairs UNE’s Age Friendly University initiatives. For 18 years, she was the founding director of the UNE BodyWISE Center for Health and Fitness, which worked with 500 community older adults and 150 physicians to support the health and wellbeing for people who experienced cardiac, pulmonary, and other health issues such as joint replacements and chronic conditions.