Dr. Joseph Maroon, world-renowned neurosurgeon, nutritional expert, concussion specialist and brain health expert, has partnered with St. Barnabas effective January 1, 2015 to develop a community-based brain health initiative called “The Cognitive Brain Health Program.”
Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Maroon is a practicing board-certified neurosurgeon in the Pittsburgh area and team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is regarded as a premier specialist in the surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the brain and spine using specialized microscopic and minimally invasive techniques.
“We don’t have to accept that conditions like adult-onset diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease always come with aging.” – Dr. Joseph Maroon
This is a program of empowerment!
Simple changes in what you do every day may cut your odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The goal is not just to live longer, but to live a happier and healthier life.
Our fate is not locked in place by our genes
Scientific research reveals that our fate is not necessarily locked in place by our genes, rather through our own choices we can take control of our health.
Dementia develops over time
Researchers now know that Alzheimer’s develops over time and can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, depression, nutrition, sleep and physical activity.
About Our Cognitive Brain Health Program in Greater Pittsburgh Area
Preventative medicine is a crucial part of providing effective healthcare, and at St. Barnabas, we understand this deeply. We are proud to provide preventive care services in the Greater Pittsburgh area, like our community-based cognitive brain health and memory care programs. St. Barnabas partnered with board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS in 2015 to develop our state-of-the-art cognitive brain health program, which helps aging residents maintain their active and engaged lifestyles
Cognitive Brain Health Program at St. Barnabas
Our mission at St. Barnabas is to assist underserved people with individual and institutional services, which improve their health, education, and social needs. We continue embracing this mission by offering a community-based brain health initiative to aging residents called the Cognitive Brain Health Program. This program is one of empowerment and a way to demonstrate that aging adults don’t have to accept that they will eventually develop conditions like diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Maroon has stated that the purpose of the Cognitive Brain Health program is to “provide scientifically proven methods shown to aid in preserving brain health even as we age and to introduce healthy brain interventions that can last a lifetime.” These healthy brain interventions are emphasized in four major areas of the program, including:
- Improvements in diet and nutrition and proper use of dietary supplements
- Brain-specific physical activity, like aerobics and strength training
- Elimination of environmental toxins that target the brain, like lead, mercury, fluoride, and more
- Improved stress management, like relaxation and meditation
Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease develops over time and can be affected by various lifestyle factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, depression, poor nutrition, and more. Therefore, we focus on adapting simple changes in what you do every day to cut your odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease, helping you to live a happier and healthier life
About the Program Creator and Staff
Dr. Maroon is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, as well as a nutritional expert, concussion specialist, and brain health expert. He attended Indiana University, Georgetown University, Oxford University, and the University of Vermont for his medical and neurosurgery training. Dr. Maroon is board-certified and considered a leading specialist in the surgical treatment of brain and spine injuries, utilizing minimally invasive techniques with unmatched skill. He also is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ team neurosurgeon and co-creator of ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), which is used by the majority of professional sports teams and more than 12,000 colleges, universities, and high schools worldwide.
The program is coordinated by Karen Tabacchi, Senior Vice President for Clinical Services, and the program’s development is overseen by Dr. Maroon and Jeff Bost, his neurosurgical physician assistant.
Contact Us Today to Participate
St. Barnabas is one of Pennsylvania’s largest healthcare systems, and we always aim to provide the high-quality care necessary to help residents stay healthy and active. We proudly serve older adults in the Alleghany, Beaver, and Butler counties with living assistance and independent living solutions, preventive and specialized healthcare, and more. Contact us today to learn more about St. Barnabas or to sign up to participate in our Cognitive Brain Health Program.
