Abstract

In-home monitoring of behaviors among older adults remains a significant challenge. Newer technologies have demonstrated the feasibility of accomplishing this using technologies that can map motion. While a broad range of technological approaches have been applied to this end, including accelerometry and GPS, they require a degree of engagement by the user. This talk will focus on a relatively new approach that uses radio wave-based sensing, which requires minimal contact and active engagement. The talk will include a demonstration of a range of clinical applications for this approach, and explore how this and other approaches have the potential to facilitate precision care for older adults with behavioral symptoms.

Biography

Ipsit Vahia, MD, is a geriatric psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher. He is the associate chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and director of Digital Psychiatry Translation at McLean Hospital. He is also director of the Technology and Aging Laboratory. His research focuses on the use of technology and informatics in the assessment and management of older adults and currently, he oversees a clinical and research program on aging, behavior, and technology. He has published extensively in major international journals and textbooks.

Dr. Vahia serves on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Council on Geriatric Psychiatry and the Geriatric Psychiatry Committee of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has served on the board of directors of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) and on the editorial boards of five journals including his current role as social media editor of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards including the 2016 AAGP Barry Lebowitz Award and the 2014 APA Hartford Jeste Award.