Developing a New Alzheimer’s Study in Mundgod

(April 10 to 17, 2019)

Monastery leaders in Mundgod (Karnataka, south India) met with researchers to discuss a new study of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and possible connections to cognitive practices among Tibetan Buddhist. The pilot study is being designed to include both monks and laity who are 55 or older. The initial stages of the study are being led by a team of monks and science teachers at Drepung Loseling with support from Drs. Richard MacLehose (University of Minnesota), Dedra Buchwald (Washington State University), and Bryce Johnson (Science for Monks). Richard and Bryce spent 7 days in Mundgod hosted by the Drepung Loseling Meditation and Science Center (April 10 to 17, 2019), where the research team met to develop the design of a future pilot study, and also met with abbots and senior administrators to discuss how best to conduct a study.