Brain Health and Cultural Enrichment: A Dialogue on the African Experience
Presenter(s):
Kirti Ranchod, International Longevity Center South Africa, South Africa
Rayne Stroebel, International Longevity Center South Africa, South Africa
Abstract
In this masterclass, Dr. Kirti Ranchod and Dr. Rayne Stroebel engage in a profound conversation exploring the intricate relationship between brain health and cultural enrichment within the African context. Drawing on their research and experience, they explore cognitive well-being, healthy ageing and the role of cultural heritage in supporting brain health. Neurologist Dr Ranchod shares insights on the neurological impacts of cultural activities, while gerontologist Dr Stroebel discusses the implications for ageing populations. Together, they examine how traditional African art forms and contemporary cultural expressions contribute to cognitive vitality and emotional well-being. This masterclass offers a comprehensive understanding of the symbiotic relationship between culture and brain health, providing valuable resources for healthy ageing strategies in Africa and globally.
Themes to be discussed:
1. Impact of Art on cognitive, emotional and behavioural skills
2. Framework for understanding cultural resources to support brain health and healthy ageing
3. Challenges and opportunities of working across cultural knowledge systems
4. Research and policy initiatives
Outcomes
1. Measure impact
a. Pre- and post-session feedback from participants to determine change in perception, knowledge, and actions taken
b. A potential follow-up online masterclass with participants to determine any specific changes made or actions taken after the masterclass
2. Develop a working group focusing on cultural resources to support brain health and healthy ageing.
3. Design a framework on cultural resources for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers working in healthy ageing.
Bio(s):
Dr. Kirti Ranchod is a neurologist, founder of Memorability, co-founder and chair of the African
Brain Health Network, and Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health.
Dr. Ranchod founded Memorability to make brain health tools accessible, practical, and effective and
offers courses, masterclasses, customised solutions, and consulting. Her approach combines
neuroscience and brain skills training to optimise brain performance and potentially reduce the
risk of certain illnesses. She has conducted numerous workshops and talks to support brain health both locally and globally. She has co-organised, with the Atlantic Institute, a Brain Health Perspectives convening in Johannesburg that centred Pan-African voices in the global vision to support brain health.
Her work includes the value of our cultural capital to support brain health, and she has an interest in the field of neuroaesthetics. Influenced by her culture, the cultures she is surrounded by, and her professional and personal experiences, her work explores the points at which neuroscience, art, yogic science, and other knowledge systems intersect or diverge.Dr. Ranchod uses art and creativity in her work as a neurologist to support better brain health. Her art has been included in an online group exhibition ) REVERB 23 | Abstract Resonances // Contemporary Voice at Latitudes Online).
CONTACT DETAILS
Email: k.ranchod@atlanticfellows.org
Website: www.memorabilty.co
Prof. Rayne Stroebel is a gerontologist with extensive expertise in eldercare and dementia advocacy. He earned his master’s degree in 2016 and a PhD in 2022 from the University of Stirling, Scotland, focusing on the narratives of older adults in marginalized communities, as detailed in his dissertation “Storying Elderliness – A Critical, Rhizo-Linguistic Narrative Journey into Hangberg.”
As the Founder and Managing Director of GERATEC (Gerontological Research, Training, Education, and Caring), established in 1996 in Cape Town, Dr. Stroebel has dedicated his career to enhancing the quality of life for older persons through innovative care models grounded in international best practices. Additionally, he serves as the Regional Coordinator for The Eden Alternative South Africa, where he promotes the transformation of care homes into nurturing environments that foster authentic relationships.
Dr. Stroebel has trained over 3,000 caregivers and has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences. He also contributes as an executive member of the International Longevity Centre South Africa (ILCSA), where he is involved in critical research and policy development addressing the challenges of population ageing.