Insight into the Aging Brain: A Scientific Dialogue

Bridging the gap between neurological discovery and local advocacy to ensure no family navigates cognitive decline alone.

Meet Anusha

I am Anusha Manda, a student researcher at Dripping Springs High School and an aspiring neurosurgeon dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical science and community support. My journey into neuroscience was sparked by a family medical emergency that revealed the profound impact of neurological intervention. This personal experience evolved into a rigorous academic pursuit, leading me to author a 6,000-word literature review on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), recently accepted for publication in the International Journal of High School Research.

Through my research into genetic pathologies and AI-driven diagnostic biomarkers, I realized a critical disparity: while the science of the brain is advancing rapidly, community awareness and support for those navigating these diagnoses often lag behind. This realization became the catalyst for my mission. I believe that understanding the biological mechanisms of neurodegeneration is the first step toward dismantling the stigma surrounding it.

As a researcher and advocate, I am committed to 'starting the dialogue'—translating complex neuroscientific insights into accessible community resources. By sharing the science behind the symptoms, I aim to empower families, improve patient quality of life, and foster a more informed and compassionate society.

About

Mission

My mission at TheDementiaForum is to empower families and patients through awareness and personalized intervention. I aim to:

Educate: Translate complex neuroscientific findings into accessible community knowledge.
Engage: Utilize non-clinical strategies to reduce anxiety and enhance emotional stability in dementia patients.
Advocate: Break the social stigma surrounding dementia by fostering intergenerational conversations.

Project Overview

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Browse Magazine Editions

The Dementia Forum is a weekly cognitive‑engagement magazine designed to support memory and brain health. Each issue, written and designed by Anusha Manda, includes an educational article and senior‑friendly vocabulary words, followed by puzzles that reinforce the vocabulary and its meanings to strengthen recall. The magazines are currently distributed at the Onion Creek Senior Center in Hays County, Texas, where they promote cognitive stimulation and help educate the community about dementia.

To further support the center, Anusha also founded the Student Planning & Volunteer Committee, a structured group of student volunteers dedicated to assisting with daily operations, events, and senior engagement. The committee provides consistent, reliable student support while creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational connection. Together, the Dementia Forum and the student committee form a unified initiative that enhances cognitive wellness, strengthens community involvement, and expands student participation in senior‑center service.

Certification

Patient Care Technician Training Program — Selected and confirmed, beginning Fall 2026 (Dripping Springs High School)

My Research

Neuroscience Research on Frontotemporal Dementia with Prof. Jobin Varkey

Evaluating Diagnostic Tools for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): Current Limitations and Emerging Advances. Authored 6,000+ word literature review (accepted by the International Journal of High School Research) exploring genetic pathologies, AI-driven brain scan interpretation, and fluid biomarkers.

Evaluating Treatment for Slowing the Progression of ALS

Evaluating the Feasibility of Dual Expression of AAV-Mediated
Co-Delivery of miRNA and Sonic Hedgehog for C9orf72 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Biodegradation of Plastic through Superworms

Authored 3,000+ word research paper on finding a way to biodegrade plastic via gut microbes and enzymes found a species of worm called Zophobas morio. Learned in-depth about molecular biology, gene codes, and DNA. Presented at GENIUS Olympiad and Sigma Xi.

Studying Neurodegeneration Through Different Neuronal Pathways & Receptors

Same Receptor, Different Damage: What Two Fruit Fly Mutations Reveal About Neurodegenerative Vulnerability

Volunteering

ATX Kids Club Teen Leadership (Summer 2026)

Serving as a vital co-leader and mentor, ensuring camper safety through vigilant supervision, fostering positive youth development through meaningful engagement, and expanding organization impact by championing community outreach and fundraising initiatives.

Research Internship, Gifted Gabber (February - July 2026)

Peer research mentor for high school students who are writing their research papers for the first time.ensure
students meet publication-level writing standards.

Volunteering: Mind4Youth

Volunteered in a program that is dedicated to raising awareness about teen mental health. Spread what I learned about mental health by creating a poster that promotes mental health and hung it up in a public space (local library).

Rotary club (2025-Present)

Organize food drives, writing feel better letters for children in hospitals, and helping with staff (at my school) appreciation projects.

Stitching Quilts for Veterans (Summer 2025, 2026)

Worked with seniors from the senior living home, passing on their skill, and recognizing heroes in my community.

Honors & Awards

Genius Olympiad Finalizt (2026)

Finalist presenter under Science Category

Regional UIL Solo & Ensemble for Cello - Rating 1 (2026)

Earned a Division 1 (“Superior”) rating, the highest possible score on the UIL scale (1–5).

Advisor Member of G100 Wing

Recognized by G100 Global women leaders organization for my community advocacy on Dementia awareness and Brain Health

DECA Texas State Finalist (2026)

Scored in the top of my section at regionals, qualified at state, and got second in my section at state.

Healthy Youth Texas Ambassador (2026)

Appointed as a state-level peer health advocate, completing advanced wellness training to implement regional health education and youth safety initiatives.

HOSA Texas State Finalist (2026)

Advanced to the State Leadership Conference out of an estimated 100+ competitors, ranking in the top 20% of the people in the state who competed in my event.