Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine Article on the Importance of Early Detection of Alzheimer’s
Fall 2023 In the most recent Fall 2023 issue of Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine, Neurosurgeon and Wellness expert, Dr. Joseph Maroon, discusses the importance of early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. In his article, entitled, Why Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is NOW So Important, Dr. Maroon points out that the recent drug, Leqembi, was only found to have some success in stabilizing memory decline in those with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. He goes on to describe how long the typical delay is for most people who begin to have symptoms and are the finally diagnosed with the disease. See excerpt below:
Why Early Diagnosis is Better
People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis helps both the person and caregivers learn about dementia, set realistic expectations and plan for their future together. In addition, as seen with the results for the drug, Leqembi, improved cognitive function was only found to be significant for those in the early phase of the disease. Therefore, it is critical to obtain an accurate diagnosis at the first sign of dementia symptoms. In many instances, Alzheimer’s disease can go undiagnosed for several years. According to research produced by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the average amount of time between when diagnosis is made and when symptoms start is approximately 2.8 years
Dr. Maroon goes on to described the drug Leqembi’s requirements for being diagnosed prior to starting this medication for Alzheimer’s disease plaque. See excerpt below:
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that afflicts over 6.7 million older Americans generally over the age of 65 and is rapidly increasing due to our aging population. The Medicare approval to pay for the drug requires being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This requirement is due to the initial research results using Leqembi show only this group demonstrated significant cognitive improvement. In addition, specialized brain scans, such as a PET or MRI, must be done to document evidence of beta-amyloid plaque, the abnormal protein found in the brain, of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
The importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease goes beyond starting medication. We know that prevention of Alzheimers’ disease is both possible and much more preferable. Changing lifestyle, diet, stress levels and improved sleep all have shown, independently of each other, to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s along with most other chronic diseases we suffer. Learn more about a prevention lifestyle HERE.