On February 17, 2023 Researchers, stakeholders, staff, members, care partners, and community members gathered at the Cognitive Empowerment Program for its annual Research Symposium. During our time together, we discussed the Center’s progress and future directions. We also learned about the various research studies that were conducted in the previous year.

Some of these projects investigated sleep quality and the impact it has on cognition, while others focused on how artificial intelligence can be a helpful tool used to facilitate completing common daily tasks such as activities in the kitchen. There were also some unique studies that our members and care partner teams gravitated to. One popular study aimed to understand how dance can address functional and memory issues through rhythmic movements. Another high traffic study sought to expand the aging in place concept to include those facing cognitive decline by understanding common difficulties encountered at home, and designing a guideline that provides strategies to make cognitively aging in place possible for those who desire to do so.

The research symposium also served as a platform for our dyads to share their perspectives on their involvement with the program, provide us with honest feedback on the value we strive to add to their lives, and share ways that we can improve their research experiences. We cherish the open-mindedness, time, and dedication our members and care partners continuously gift us as they thoughtfully and transparently engage with the multiple research opportunities presented to them. We look forward to the collaborative work, meaningful connections, and empowering research the Symposium fosters and facilitates each year!