WALTER SENA

Medical Research Fellow
Department of Psychiatry

Meet Dr. Walter Sena, a former IMH Marshall Fellow who is developing digital tools for more accurate, data-driven insights in cognitive health! Originally trained in Brazil, his latest project is a groundbreaking Software as Medical Device (SaMD), neurocognition.ai, that uses smartphone-based gaze tracking to objectively monitor cognition. Outside of work, Dr. Sena is embracing life as a new father.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a physician and researcher with a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychiatry. I originally trained in Brazil, where I completed a master’s in neuroscience and a specialization in psychiatry. My background spans both clinical work and research, and I’ve spent the last few years focused on developing digital tools for cognitive assessment. After relocating to Canada, I’ve been involved in research at the University of British Columbia, where I’m working in cognitive neuropsychiatry.

Can you describe what kind of research you are involved in?

My research focuses on understanding how cognitive functions (like memory, attention, and problem-solving) change throughout life, from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. My work involves designing advanced neurocognitive tests that use gaze tracking through a smartphone. Essentially, we measure how individuals look at stimuli on a screen while performing these tests, and we use that data to understand more about their cognitive health.

Can you tell us about an interesting project or initiative you are working on?

At the moment, I’m working on a SaMD called neurocognition.ai, designed to conduct cognitive assessments online. What’s exciting is that we’re developing a platform that, in the future, will use AI for shared decision-making, helping physicians provide the best evidence-based treatments for their patients. Additionally, having more accurate and reliable cognitive assessments could significantly improve research on treatments, such as new Alzheimer’s antibodies, where clinical trials often use subjective cognitive scales as primary endpoints, which can lack objectivity.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most, or find most exciting?

I really enjoy the innovative aspect of my work, particularly how we can apply cutting-edge technology like training smartphone-based gaze-tracking through machine learning to solve real-world problems in cognitive health. It’s exciting to see how these tools can potentially improve patient care by allowing for earlier and more accurate monitoring of cognitive health. I also find it fulfilling to work on developing a product that focuses on regulatory approvals from Health Canada and the FDA, with the long-term goal of improving health policies and reducing costs for healthcare systems.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially now that I’ve just welcomed a baby girl named Luna! I’m also an entrepreneur and love exploring new tech developments. I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so you’ll often find me snowboarding in Whistler during the winter.

If you are an IMH member and would like to share more about yourself and your research with the community, please contact Megan Rollerson, Manager, Communications and Partnerships, at megan.rollerson@ubc.ca.