Sarah Adkar
Class of 2026Fremont, CA
About
Hello, my name is Sarah Adkar! I’m a driven student & leader involved in public policy, climate literacy, and cutting-edge medicine. I actively participate in research and speaker panels at the intersection of biomedical engineering and cognitive science, showcasing my commitment via personal and extracurricular pursuits.Projects
- "The influence of Ayurvedic dietary practices on neurodegenerative health development in Alzheimer’s patients." with mentor Kristen (July 16, 2025)
Project Portfolio
The influence of Ayurvedic dietary practices on neurodegenerative health development in Alzheimer’s patients.
Started Feb. 27, 2025
Abstract or project description
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Its profound impact is underscored by statistics showing that millions worldwide are affected, with numbers projected to rise dramatically, imposing immense burdens on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Patients typically experience debilitating memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, and a profound decline in their ability to perform daily tasks. The urgent need for effective interventions is clear, especially as current conventional treatments aim to treat symptoms like cognitive decline and behavioral changes, yet are limited by their inability to halt or reverse the underlying progression of the disease. The complex pathology of AD includes the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein (a protein that forms sticky clumps, known as plaques, in the brains of Alzheimer's patients), neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. In light of these limitations, traditional Ayurvedic medicine, known for its holistic approach, may be one alternative or complementary approach to treating AD. Hence, this literature review investigates how traditional Ayurvedic practices, including the use of select herbal remedies, may contribute to brain health and cognitive function relevant to neurodegenerative symptoms and the underlying causes and effects of AD.