From Ram Rao
Ph.D., Principal Research Scientist
August 14, 2025•From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Dehydration: Effects on the Brain and Cognition
Dehydration, even at mild to moderate levels, impairs cognitive function, mood, and neurological efficiency. In his blog, Dehydration: Effects on the Brain and Cognition, Dr Rao summarizes current evidence linking hydration status to brain health and mechanisms of cognitive decline, populations at risk, and preventive strategies. Read More »
July 16, 2025•From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Birdsong and Nature Walks: A Gentle Path to Mental Clarity and Cognitive Wellness
Birdsong and nature walks serve as powerful tools to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and support cognitive health, especially in older adults. In his blog, Birdsong and Nature Walks: A Gentle Path to Mental Clarity and Cognitive Wellness, Dr. Rao explains why listening to birds can improve mood and well-being for hours, functioning like yoga for the brain. Combined with gentle movement outdoors, this practice fosters mindfulness, emotional balance, and brain resilience. Read More »
June 17, 2025•From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Walking: The Cognitive Benefits of a Simple Step
Walking is more than a basic mode of transport — it's a powerful tool for enhancing brain health. In his blog, Walking: The Cognitive Benefits of a Simple Step, Dr. Rao explains that regular walking not only improves physical well-being but also plays a significant role in boosting memory, cognition, and overall brain function. Read More »
April 17, 2025•Core Components, From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Boosting Brain Volume Through Meditation
Meditation triggers changes in key brain regions, significantly improving cognitive and emotional health. In his blog, Boosting Brain Volume Through Meditation, Dr Rao discusses research studies that reveal meditation’s role in increasing prefrontal cortical and hippocampal volume, enhancing emotional regulation, and improving attention and self-awareness. Read More »
March 19, 2025•From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
We all know that maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for optimal health, but what if you could just take a pill? In his blog ,Magic Pill vs. Exercise?, Dr Rao explains that while exercise molecules from a pill may mimic some benefits of physical activity, regular physical exercise remains essential for cognitive and mental well-being, cardiovascular health, and metabolic resilience. Read More »
February 17, 2025•From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Balance and Cognition: A Symbiotic Relationship
Balance plays a pivotal role in cognitive health by integrating sensory inputs from the inner ear, eyes, and balance centers in the brain. Activities that enhance balance contribute to brain plasticity, fostering optimal cognitive function. In his blog Balance and Cognition: A Symbiotic Relationship, Dr. Rao offers practical tips to strengthen and improve balance. Read More »
January 16, 2025•From Ram Rao, News
Music provides significant therapeutic and emotional benefits for individuals with dementia. By accessing brain regions tied to music, it helps evoke emotions, trigger memories, and reduce symptoms like anxiety and agitation. Music therapy fosters social connections, offering comfort and joy to patients and caregivers alike. In his blog In the blog, The Sounds of Healing, Dr. Rao suggests music’s potential to strengthen neural pathways, enhance quality of life, and bring hope to those affected by dementia. Read More »
November 19, 2024•Core Components, From Ram Rao, Insider Strategies, News
Restless Nights: Sleep’s Role in Dementia
Sleep is not just an inconvenient pause between the significant parts of our waking lives; it is as crucial for brain health as proper nutrition and regular exercise. In his blog, Dr Rao points out that insufficient sleep can potentially lead to an increased risk of early dementia and higher mortality. However, there is a silver lining: consistently getting six to eight hours of sleep each night can help lower the risk of developing dementia. Read More »