The aging US population, projected to reach 22% over the age of 65 by 2040, is prompting clinicians to explore AI's role in enhancing care for older adults. Sumi Misra, an associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and chief of palliative medicine at the Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center,  and Shoshana Ungerleider, an internal medicine physician and founder of the End Well Project, highlight AI's potential to improve quality of life by facilitating "health span" conversations and aiding in tasks like charting and symptom analysis. However, challenges such as privacy concerns and the digital divide remain significant hurdles.

"We may be able to intervene in ways that slow deterioration, improve outcomes, and allow more people to maintain their independence, longer," Ungerleider said.

AI is poised to significantly impact preventive cardiology. Speakers at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress emphasized the need for cardiologists to guide AI's integration into health care to ensure it promotes health equity and improves early detection of cardiovascular conditions. Ashish Sarraju, of the Cleveland Clinic, highlighted the widespread use of generative AI in interpreting medical data, while Fatima Rodriguez, of Stanford University School of Medicine, stressed the importance of digital literacy and inclusive design in health tech. Pierre Elias, of Columbia University, discussed the potential of AI-based screening systems to transform cardiovascular disease diagnosis, despite challenges such as mistrust among doctors and patients.

A study published in NEJM Evidence reveals that pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome experience faster ventilator weaning when managed with a computerized decision support tool, REDvent. Conducted by Robinder G. Khemani and colleagues at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the trial compared REDvent to usual care in 247 patients. Findings showed that REDvent led to lower inspiratory pressures and a higher rate of successful spontaneous breathing trials, although some outcomes like reintubation rates remained similar across groups.

Epic Systems' new MyChart Central will enable patients to link multiple MyChart patient portals into one website and use a mobile app to access their information. Epic has also introduced Epic ID, a single login for consolidated MyChart Central accounts.

Researchers Tanzeem Choudhury and Dan Adler from Cornell Tech propose a labeling system for AI mental health tools to ensure safety and effectiveness. With the rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT being used for mental health support, there is a risk of harm due to lack of regulation. The proposed system would use red, yellow and green labels to guide consumers, similar to food safety ratings. This approach aims to balance innovation with safety, addressing challenges faced by companies like Woebot Health, which recently shut down its product after regulatory delays.

A study published in the journal eBioMedicine found that certain lipid metabolites, including linoleic acid and sphingomyelins, were negatively associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. The research, which involved data from populations in the US, UK and Finland, highlighted the connection between metabolism and sleep disorders and could lead to new treatments or dietary guidelines.

Submissions are now open for the AMIA/HL7® FHIR® App Competition. The competition aims to showcase the most innovative and useful FHIR implementations.  Accepted submissions will be presented in a live competition at the AMIA 2025 Annual Symposium in November. Submit your app idea before the September 9 deadline.