Many neuroimaging studies of age-related memory decline interpret resultant differences in brain activation patterns in the elderly as reflecting a type of compensatory response or regression to a simpler state of brain organization. Here I will review a series of our own MEG studies which lead us to an alternative interpretation, and highlights a couple of potential confounds in the aging literature that may act to increase the variability of results within age groups and across laboratories.

The continuous assessment of physical and cognitive function is a key indicator of initial decline in health and functional ability. Identifying and assessing problems while they are still small can provide a window of opportunity for interventions that will alleviate the problem areas before they become catastrophic. In this talk, Dr. Skubic will describe ongoing interdisciplinary work to investigate the use of sensor technology and automated reasoning to provide early identification of illness and functional decline.