🧠 Reimagining Alzheimer’s Care: Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC

Tackling Agitation and Early Diagnosis in Alzheimer’s | Power to the Patients Podcast

🎙️ Guest: Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC

“Ultra-low doses of THC show protective effects in Alzheimer’s—reducing agitation without sedation, and potentially preserving cognition.” – Ram Mukunda

👋 Episode Overview

In this episode, Brandon speaks with Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC, about his company’s pioneering work in Alzheimer’s disease. Ram shares how IGC is developing an ultra-low dose THC therapy designed to reduce agitation without the cognitive decline caused by sedatives. He also discusses the company’s AI diagnostic platform, which could help clinicians detect Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately.

🧭 Top Takeaways

✅ Agitation is one of Alzheimer’s most pressing unmet needs.
✅ Ultra-low dose THC may calm patients without cognitive decline.
✅ AI has the potential to democratize early diagnosis.
✅ Alzheimer’s innovation must combine science, tech, and empathy.
✅ Solutions must prioritize both patients and caregivers.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. Guest Background
   • Ram’s journey as CEO of IGC and what led him into Alzheimer’s research.
   • The inspiration to bridge biotechnology and patient-centered care.
2. The Problem He’s Solving
   • Agitation as one of the most devastating and overlooked Alzheimer’s symptoms.
   • Limitations of current treatments, which often rely on heavy sedation.
   • Barriers to early diagnosis, especially in underserved populations.
3. His Innovation or Contribution
   • Ultra-low dose THC therapy: shown in preclinical studies to reduce amyloid plaques and protect neurons.
   • AI-powered diagnostic tool: integrating global data sets to support earlier, more accurate assessments.
4. Challenges & Barriers
   • The difficulty of running Alzheimer’s trials where patients are highly vulnerable.
   • Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis due to lack of access to PET scans or biomarkers.
   • Regulatory and logistical hurdles in advancing novel cannabinoid-based therapies.
5. Vision for the Future
   • A world where agitation can be treated without sedation.
   • Diagnostic tools that help families plan earlier and intervene more effectively.
   • Combining pharmaceutical innovation with tech-enabled diagnostics to transform Alzheimer’s care.

💬 Speaker Spotlights

On agitation in Alzheimer’s:
“Agitation isn’t just frustration—it’s aggression, wandering, pacing. And sedation isn’t the answer."

On the promise of ultra-low dose THC:
“Tiny doses, not large ones, show protective effects—helping neurons instead of harming them.”

On early diagnosis:
“Most patients don’t get PET scans. AI could give every doctor the ability to assess risk earlier.”

On why this work matters:
“It’s about dignity, relief, and quality of life for patients and their caregivers.”

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

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💡 Keep Exploring

• Subscribe to Power to the Patients for more conversations at the intersection of clinical trials, innovation, and patient impact.
• Learn more about IGC’s research into Alzheimer’s therapies and AI-driven diagnostics.

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