About Us
The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF), founded in 1993 by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, based in Tucson, Arizona, that's dedicated to the prevention and early intervention of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease through an integrative or holistic medical program. We do this by conducting clinical research and providing educational outreach. We believe that chronic, unbalanced stress is a major cause of cognitive decline and that an integrative medical program can prevent and reverse memory loss. We are committed to empowering brain longevity, which will ensure an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations.
Who We Are
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (ARPF), The Original and Leading Voice of Alzheimer's Prevention was founded by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. in 1993 in Tucson, Arizona. There is no other organization in the country like the ARPF.
Our Organization's Mission
*The ARPF was the first advocate for a prevention program for memory loss and Alzheimer's disease through The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention, which combine conventional and complementary medical modalities.
The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention
• In 1999 and 2000, ARPF presented training conferences on preventing memory loss and Alzheimer's disease for medical professionals.
• In 2003, the ARPF offered the “1st International Conference on the Integrative Medical approach to the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.”
• The ARPF provides educational opportunities for the general public, as well as for the medical community.
• In May 2003, Dr. Khalsa testified before the United States Congress about ARPF's prevention platform.
• After testifying before Congress, Dr. Khalsa met The United States Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., who offered his support for the foundation's work.
• In September 2003, the ARPF conducted the first scientific study on the connection between mind/body and the possible prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.
Who We Serve
Those interesting in preventing memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.
Our Programs
Introduction to
The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention
a Holistic Medical Approach
"We have to realize that the era of the magic bullet—drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease—is over. We need to take a holistic approach, like they do for heart disease. What works for the heart, works for the head." -- Dr. Khalsa, ca. 1994
Recent research confirms what we have known for some time now: magic bullet drugs are not the final answer in fighting Alzheimer's. The only effective way to prevent or even slow Alzheimer's at this time in history is by harnessing the power of a holistic or integrative medical approach.
By understanding the key elements of prevention - its pillars, as it were - you can better protect and care for yourself and your loved ones who are struggling with this disease.
Upcoming Events
Memory Screening Day in Tucson, Arizona on November 17, 2009 at the Jewish Community Center
Leadership Profile
The ARPF was founded by Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa and is based in Tucson, Arizona
Board of Directors
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., President/Medical Director
Randal Brooks, LPC, LISAC, CEAP, Vice President
Carolyn S. Sechler, CPA, Treasurer
Kirti Khalsa, Secretary/Chief Operating Officer
Carolyn Lucz, Board Members
Conni Ingallina, Communications Director
Board of Advisors
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ma Gloria Borra-Boneu, M.D., GRD Health Institute
Barcelona, Spain
Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D., Asst. Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School, Sleep Disorders Research
Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
Laura Jean Kokoska, RN, DNA Yoga Studio
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Helen Lavretsky, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor
UCLA Semel Institute and Resnick Neuropsychiatric
Hospitacl, Los Angeles, CA
Andrew B. Newberg, M.D., Asst. Professor, Radiology and
Psychiatriy, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA
Michelle Sierpina, Ph.D., Founding DIrector, UTMB Osher
Institute for Lifelong Learning, Univeristy of Texas
Meedical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Victor S. Sierpina, M.D., Professor in Integrative
Medicine, University of Texas, Medical Branch,
Galveston, Texas
| Year Founded : |
1993 |
| 501(c)(3) Ruling Year : |
1993 |
| Full-Time Employees : |
2 |
| Volunteers : |
20 |
What Sets Us Apart
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (ARPF), The Original and Leading Voice of Alzheimer's Prevention was founded by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. in 1993 in Tucson, Arizona. There is no other organization in the country like the ARPF.
Recent Accomplishments
Kirtan Kriya Singing Exercise
2003 Research Study Information
This study occurred at the Amen Clinic in Newport Beach, California in 2003. It was a joint project between the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation and the Amen Clinic of Newport Beach, California, affiliated with the University of California at Irvine.
What does Kirtan Kriya mean?
A kirtan is a song. Kriya refers to a specific set of movements. In the Eastern tradition, kriyas are used to help bring the body, mind, and emotions into balance, thus creating healing.
So then, what is Kirtan Kriya Exercise?
Kirtan Kriya (see illustrated instructions below) is a 12-minute singing exercise in the Kundalini yoga tradition that people have been practicing for thousands of years. This meditation involves repetitive finger movements, or mudras, plus singing the sounds, or mantra, Saa Taa Naa Maa. These ancient primal sounds from Sanskrit, taken together, mean "my true identity" or "my highest self."
What did the study investigate and how many participants were involved?
It was hypothesized that Kirtan Kriya singing exercise would show activation of the frontal lobe and activation of the hippocampus. Eleven subjects (experienced at meditation) were brought in to test this hypothesis. They first sat quietly and had a baseline control SPECT scan study of their brain (SPECT stands for Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography). The subjects then practiced the Kirtan Kriya exercise for 12 minutes. After completion, they each had another SPECT scan taken of their brains.
What exactly was measured during this study?
The subjects' brain physiology was measured before and after practicing the Kirtan Kriya exercise. This project represented the first study of its kind to look at mind/body exercise and neurofunction in a medically prescribed manner, in this case for 12 minutes.
What did the SPECT scan from the study show before the Kirtan Kriya singing exercise?
In one of the brain scans, we saw that the dimples in the front of the brain show a lack of complete blood flow, a risk factor for Alzheimer's. The area located on the back region of the brain is lumpy and asymmetrical, also due to a lack of blood flow. In the center of the brain, no thalamus is visible.
