Good morning future-focused leaders.

Last week, ITAC 2025—the Information Technology in Aged Care conference—brought together industry leaders, tech innovators, and aged care professionals to explore the role of technology in the sector. With insightful speakers and innovative exhibitors showcasing new solutions, I’ll be sharing some standout projects over the coming weeks that could help shape the future of aged care.

This week, we’re exploring a major step forward in AI accessibility with Google's new real-time screen-sharing assistant. We also take a look at groundbreaking AI research that predicts dementia risk from sleep patterns and how the Australian aged care sector can draw AI inspiration from global industries.

Let’s dive in.

This week: 

• AI predicts dementia risk from sleep brain waves, detecting cognitive decline 5 years in advance.

• What can the Australian aged care sector learn from Singapore, Microsoft, and McDonald's.

• Key tech opportunities highlighted in a new report for digital health in aged care.

• How to improve success in AI projects – A book review of Why Data Science Projects Fail.

• And more...

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READY TO USE TODAY

🔎 Google’s new AI can watch your screen and guide you

In brief: Google has recently introduced Stream Realtime, an (experimental, but accessible) new feature within its Gemini AI platform. It enables live, interactive guidance through webcam- and screen-sharing, allowing you to visually demonstrate tasks or issues and receive immediate, practical assistance.

Practical example uses:

1. Ask for Gemini AI’s help with performing specific tasks in any software, share your screen with Gemini to receive step-by-step instructions. In this example, Kendra Ramirez from KendraTech is asking Stream Realtime to help her create a custom GPT. 

2. Set up or address issues with printers, tablets, or other office equipment by sharing your webcam and showing Gemini where you may be stuck. 

3. Think of it as your own tutor providing step by step how to navigate a screen or problem.

Why it matters: This feature simplifies everyday operational tasks by allowing AI to “see” what you see. More broadly in our sector, user-friendly, real-time guidance could significantly enhance digital inclusion and accessibility, positively impacting how older adults themselves engage with digital tools in the future. 

Access Stream Realtime here (you’ll need to have a Google account)

ON THE HORIZON 

🧠 AI Predicts Dementia Risk from Sleep Brain Waves 

In brief: Researchers at Mass General Brigham have created an AI tool that predicts cognitive impairment years before symptoms emerge, by analysing sleep brain wave patterns. This innovation could significantly improve early dementia detection and intervention.

The details:

• Using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity during sleep, researchers analysed data from women aged over 65 across five years.

• The AI identified subtle changes in gamma brain wave frequencies during deep sleep, predicting cognitive impairment five years in advance with 85% accuracy.

• This method suggests wearable EEG devices could help detect dementia risk earlier, providing crucial time for preventive measures and treatments.

Why it matters: Early identification of dementia risk through AI-driven EEG analysis could lead to timely interventions, potentially improving cognitive health outcomes and quality of life.

THE FUTURE OF AGED CARE

💡 The Australian aged care sector needs to look overseas and across industries for ideas

In brief: At the recent ITAC 2025 conference in Melbourne, many speakers and panellists emphasised that Australia's aged care sector should draw AI inspiration from other countries and industries. Adopting this global perspective allows us to learn from proven strategies and effectively adapt international successes to our local context.

What we can learn from others:

• Singapore is turning to AI to manage healthcare for its rapidly ageing population, with Salesforce pledging $1 billion to drive AI innovations, including digital health solutions and workforce upskilling, supporting proactive management. 

• New research commissioned by Microsoft shows organisations average a $3.70 return for every $1 invested in generative AI, highlighting AI's significant potential to transform businesses and industries. The report highlights 400 successful examples, including some from the healthcare sector.

• McDonald's is using AI and weather data to personalise restaurant experiences and improve service delivery. Could aged care providers similarly harness external data sources to tailor care and proactively respond to client needs? 

Why it matters: Industry leaders do not need to reinvent the wheel. Drawing inspiration from these global and cross-sector AI initiatives can enable Australian aged care providers to swiftly implement effective strategies, improving care quality, operational efficiency, and workforce capabilities.

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📊 Snapshot of Digital Health in Aged Care – A newly released report from Digital Health CRC offers insights into Australia's aged care digital landscape, highlighting key opportunities for improving care through technology. It outlines challenges, potential solutions, and ways forward for sector-wide digital transformation.

🧓 Trust in AI Differs Across Cultures – A study by researcher Vaitsa Giannouli finds that older Greeks, similar to their American counterparts, are wary of AI in financial assessments. This is in contrast to previous research in China and Western Europe which showed greater trust, possibly due to cultural factors like the need for autonomy. The findings stress the need for culturally informed AI solutions for older adults.

🤖 Is AI going to replace us? – In his TEDx talk, software engineer Kuldeep Panjwani explores how to transform fears about AI into opportunities, sharing insights on evolving alongside technology to unlock new possibilities. In his words, we should see AI as a tool that can help us to do what we couldn’t do yesterday. 

🎓 Free AI Microskill Course from TAFE NSW – TAFE NSW and the National AI Centre offer a free, beginner-friendly online course, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, covering AI fundamentals, real-world applications, and myths vs facts. Ideal for aged care professionals starting their AI journey.

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📅 CHSP Futures Online Conference

Join the 5th annual CHSP Futures Online Conference (25-26 March) to explore future trends in compliance, workforce, service provision, and sustainability in aged care. The conference features keynotes, panels, and practical resources. 

I'll also be presenting on AI in aged care—from practical applications to ethics, we’ll look at how AI is reshaping the sector and what that means for providers, workers, and the older person. View the schedule and register here.

BOOK REVIEW

📕 How can we improve success in AI projects?

In brief: In Why Data Science Projects Fail, authors Evan Shellshear and Douglas Gray offer insights into why many AI and data science projects encounter challenges, and importantly, what we can do to resolve them.

The details:

• Written by two experts with over 50 years of combined practical experience and academic roles at leading global universities.

• The book identifies key reasons why data science projects often fail, identifying the big three of poor strategic alignment, lack of resources, and poor data quality.

• Emphasises that organisations can significantly improve their success rates by developing “analytical maturity”.

• Uses real-world examples and relatable stories to demonstrate common challenges and provide actionable insights for future projects.

Why it matters: As aged care organisations increasingly integrate AI solutions, understanding how to avoid common pitfalls is crucial. This book provides practical, supportive guidance to help professionals navigate challenges and enhance the effectiveness and reliability of their AI projects.