It’s difficult to imagine that a child’s biggest dreams might actually come true … but Tucson neurologist Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik's youthful dreams are! She left her home country of Slovenia more than thirty years ago as a teenager in search of her vision: to study the brain and one day cure Alzheimer’s disease!
Today, Dr. Leonni is making her dreams come true at her advanced neurological practice in the Catalina Foothills. She said fate and higher powers were involved in her path through academic research, a journey that brought her to working with neuroscience gurus developing new Alzheimer’s disease treatments, some of which have recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to slow down the disease in its mild and early stages.
Dementia on the Rise
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is one of the largest health crises of the 21st century, Dr. de Leonni said, adding that there are more than 55 million people worldwide living with dementia. This number is expected to grow to 139 million by 2050.
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common causes of all dementias and is thought to account for 60-80% of all global dementia cases, she said, adding that apart from the personal tragedies resulting from dementia cases, the financial burden on society is also staggering.
The estimated total worldwide cost of dementia is currently over $1.3 trillion and is expected to increase to $ 2.8 trillion by 2030. See https://www.alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/dementia-statistics/
But there is finally hope again! “This is most important … we provide meaningful hope and guidance to our patients and their families. I am so honored to have the opportunity to share my experiences with this (foothills) community,” said Dr. de Leonni. “My goal is to continue to push the boundaries of neurological research and provide the best possible care for my patients.”
Dr. de Leonni Stanonik said we are experiencing a true paradigm shift in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. New findings indicate that Alzheimer’s is a serological disease which, “if detected early, can be slowed down, and potentially even cured,” she said.
These treatments with the latest Alzheimer’s medications mark significant milestones in the fight against this neurodegenerative disease. New medications, such as lecanemab, donunemab, and aducanumab (discontinued by the manufacturer in 2024), target the amyloid plaques in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s.
And she said that encouraging clinical trials evaluating a new drug, LM11A-31, could possibly increase the brain’s resilience to Alzheimer's-driven changes. See https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-results-human-clinical-trial-early.html.
Meanwhile, there are also ongoing clinical studies in Europe and elsewhere where significant lifestyle changes can reverse memory loss in dementia, she said.
“This is compelling new information that has never been elucidated before. In addition, I have developed meaningful social interventions, fasting regimens, and have integrated a variety of natural supplements which support the amyloid targeting therapy.
The Power of Prevention
Cognitive decline is not inevitable. Through prevention and proactive care, we can preserve brain function and quality of life well into advanced age. Too often, cognitive care begins only after a noticeable decline. At Vita Medica Institute, prevention is at the forefront.
Dr. de Leonni Stanonik, a world-renowned vascular neurologist, is a leader in cognitive/behavioral neurology. She collaborates with peers worldwide to continue this essential advancement in increasing brain health.
Her network made great strides during her medical research, but also as the (former) Surgeon General of the Republic of Slovenia. She also served as the Consul of the Republic of Slovenia.
The team at the Vita Medica Institute today works closely with patients to develop personalized strategies to support brain health and longevity, which may include:
• Comprehensive neurological screenings and early detection tools
• Vascular health evaluations and interventions
• Lifestyle modifications to promote cognitive resilience
• Nutritional and metabolic optimization for brain health
• Evidence-based therapies informed by the latest neuroscience.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS?
“These proactive measures are designed to keep patients mentally sharp, active, and independent while preserving their ability to live life fully and joyfully,” she said.
At the Vita Medica Institute in the Catalina Foothills, internationally recognized neurologist Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik leads with a singular, passionate focus: helping individuals protect and preserve their brain health—today, tomorrow, and well into their golden years.