Our Story
Nikhith Rao and Srihas Rao founded Longevity Foundation in 2019. Nikhith Rao is a second year student at University of Missouri-Kansas City in BA/MD 6 year program. Srihas Rao is a Senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High school, Lincolnshire, Illinois.
We started this organization as a result of the struggles we saw due to COVID-19. Many people, especially senior citizens, are not able to maintain their normal level of physical and mental activity because they are practicing social distancing. Over a long period of time, a lack of mental and physical activities can result in the development of different forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease. As a result, we wanted to show people how they can continue to partake in activities that provide mental and physical stimulation without having to go to the gym or a yoga class during this time.
In creating this organization, our goal is to help the elderly who are at risk during the epidemic and beyond. We also hope that we can inspire others to give back to their community and help others.
Our mission 
Our mission at The Longevity Foundation is to empower the community with the knowledge of exercises and activities that come from varying cultures that can help people stay physically and mentally fit.
- Raise awareness about the dementia in senior citizens, it can be minimized with Regular exercise, Social engagement is important for peoples well-being, Healthy diet, Mental stimulation, Quality sleep, Stress management
- Raise awareness on medical anthropology – How different exercises/activities from varying cultures can affect health
- Host an event to entertain senior citizens with games such as Bingo, Chess, Checkers, Puzzles, Video games – Candy crush
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Sangram S. Sisodia PhD
Dr. Sangram Sisodia is currently the Thomas Reynolds Sr. Family Professor of Neuroscience and Director of the Center for Molecular Neurobiology in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Chicago.
He has been at the forefront of learning how the familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) genes, including the amyloid precursor protein and the presenilins, function normally, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Researched on the roles of the gut and brain microbiome on Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Sisodia has made invaluable contributions to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, PhD
Dr. Rudolph Tanzi is the Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Co-Director of the Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health and Co-Director of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also serves as the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Tanzi received his B.S. (microbiology) and B.A. (history) at the University of Rochester in 1980 and his Ph.D. (neurobiology) at Harvard Medical School in 1990.
Dr. Tanzi serves as Chair of the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Leadership Group and numerous advisory and editorial boards. He has published well more than 550 research papers and has received the highest awards in his field, including the Metropolitan Life Foundation Award, Potamkin Prize, Ronald Reagan Award, Silver Innovator Award and the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award, the top national award for invention and innovation.
Dr. Robert J. Vassar PhD
Dr. Robert J. Vassar PhD is a Scientific Director of Behavioral Neurology in the Department of Neurology, Davee Professor of Alzheimer Research, Professor of Neurology (Behavioral Neurology) and Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
His research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease using a combination of biochemical, cell culture and animal model approaches to investigate the role of BACE1 in health and disease.
Dr. Dave Holtzman MD
David M. Holtzman MD is currently Professor and Chair of Neurology, scientific director of the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at Washington University of Medicine, and Associate Director of the Knight ADRC.
He has received a number of honors including being a recipient of a Paul Beeson Physician Faculty Scholar award in Aging research, the Potamkin prize from the American Academy of Neurology for research on Alzheimer’s disease, the MetLife award for Alzheimer’s disease research, a MERIT award from the NIA, election to the National Academy of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, election to the National Academy of Inventors, an alumni merit award from the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, being appointed to the National Advisory council of the NINDS and NIA, the Chancellor’s award for innovation and entrepreneurship and the Carl and Gerty Cori award from Washington University, being elected Fellow of the AAAS, and being the current president of the American Neurological Association.