From Ram Rao
Ph.D., Principal Research Scientist
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 »
October 21, 2024•From Ram Rao, News
Smoke, Air Pollutants, and Dementia
The link between air pollution and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease is still under active investigation. There is growing evidence that chronic exposure to wildfire smoke and air pollutants could heighten the risk of Alzheimer's disease by promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. In his blog, Dr. Rao discusses recent studies highlighting the importance of addressing air quality as a modifiable risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategies. Read More »
September 19, 2024•From Ram Rao, News
Sleep is crucial for brain function as it plays a key role in memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Adequate sleep also helps maintain mood stability and reduces the risk of mental health disorders. In his blog, Sleep Quality and Moods, Dr. Rao points out that discontinuous sleep may be worse for mood than reduced hours of sleep. Read More »
August 14, 2024•From Ram Rao, News
The Assyrians, Babylonians, Palestinians, and Romans used zinc as coinage, to forge weapons of war, in daily tools, or as jewelry. Zinc was used historically in medicine as well. The Persians used zinc for burning related health issues. In his blog, Zinc and Cognitive Health, Dr. Rao discusses the vital role of zinc in brain health and cognitive function. Read More »