Bio

Dr. Adriel Brown is a clinical neuroscientist and postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine where he employs electroencephalographic (EEG) methods to investigate the effects of creative arts therapies (e.g., art, dance/movement, drama, music, and poetry therapies) and mind-body practices, including mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and yoga, on neurocognitive processes in individuals with psychiatric disorders.

At Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Brown completed his Ph.D. in Cognitive Science in Education (Area of Focus: Creativity and Cognition) and his M.S. in Neuroscience and Education (Award of Completion: Spirituality Mind Body). He is a former professional dancer and he completed his M.A. in Teaching Dance in Higher Education and the Professions (Concentration: Ballet Pedagogy) from New York University and his B.F.A. in Ballet (Minor: Arts Administration) from Texas Christian University. He is a Certified Teacher of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum.

In addition to his appointment at Stanford University, Dr. Brown is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he teaches Social and Affective Neuroscience and Neuroscience, Ethics, and the Law. Previously, he was an instructor in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York, where he taught Introduction to Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain and The Neuroscience of Psychiatric Disorders.

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    ab3406@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

All Publications

  • Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an online yoga program for managing symptoms of post-treatment lyme disease syndrome. Complementary therapies in medicine Brown, A., Mamat, Z., Mahoney, L. A., Bayley, P. J. 2026; 98: 103347

    Abstract

    We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week synchronous online yoga program for managing post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) symptoms, focusing on pain, physical functioning, and cognitive performance. Thirteen participants with PTLDS (aged 21-60 years; 92% female) participated in 75-minute weekly sessions led by certified yoga instructors, with 15-20 min of daily homework on five non-treatment days. Outcome measures included the Health-Related Quality of Life - Short Form (SF-36), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The primary feasibility goals were met with a retention rate of 92.50%, treatment adherence of 82.70%, and a treatment satisfaction score of 3.4/4. The missing data rate was low at 3.90%. Significant improvements were observed in pain levels, as indicated by the SF-36 pain scale (t[11] = -3.19, p = 0.01, d = -0.92), and pain interference significantly decreased during daily activities, as measured by the BPI (t[11] = 2.61, p = 0.02, d = 0.75). Participants also reported fewer physical limitations during personal activities (t[11] = -2.46, p = 0.03, d = -0.71; SF-36). Cognitive improvement was indicated by a significant reduction in errors on the CANTAB Spatial Working Memory task (t[8] = 3.11, p = 0.02, d = 1.04). Online yoga is feasible and associated with significant reductions in pain, improved physical functioning, and enhanced cognitive performance among participants with PTLDS. These findings suggest that online yoga may be a scalable, accessible, and effective intervention for managing PTLDS symptoms.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103347

    View details for PubMedID 41796643

  • The Therapeutic Potential of Yoga for Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Review. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD Brown, A., Bayley, P. J. 2024; 101 (s1): S521-S535

    Abstract

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and behavioral changes, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. While pharmacological treatments offer limited relief, nonpharmacological interventions, like yoga, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. This critical review synthesizes findings from various studies on the feasibility, adherence, physical function, cognitive improvements, inflammatory markers, neuroprotection, and mood and behavioral changes associated with yoga interventions for older adults with AD. Despite these promising results, further research with randomized controlled trials, larger sample sizes, control groups, longitudinal follow-ups, standardized protocols, and diverse populations is necessary to confirm these benefits and understand the long-term effects of yoga on AD progression. This critical review highlights yoga's potential as a valuable nonpharmacological intervention in the holistic management of AD.

    View details for DOI 10.3233/JAD-240719

    View details for PubMedID 39422963