Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik Innovative Alzheimer's Clinic

Neurologist & Researcher Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik Expands Global Reach with Innovative Alzheimer's Clinic in Italy

The new clinic, based in the city of Trieste, Italy, will offer innovative neurological treatments, for example for Alzheimer’s, based on Dr. de Leonni Stanonik’s international scientific experience.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, a distinguished neurologist renowned for her contributions to the field of neuroscience and telemedicine, is set to embark on her newest venture: the establishment of an innovative neurology clinic in Italy. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a medical practitioner and researcher, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik aims to revolutionize Alzheimer's treatment by offering state-of-the-art therapies and personalized care to patients in Europe and beyond.

With a career spanning almost two decades, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik has earned international acclaim for her expertise in neurology and her commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. As a long-time practitioner in Tucson, Arizona, she has not only served her local community with distinction but has also maintained strong professional ties with Europe, notably as a board member of SiNAPSA, the Slovenian Neuroscience Association.

Commenting on her decision to establish the Alzheimer's clinic in Italy, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik remarked, "Alzheimer's disease represents one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time, affecting millions of individuals and their families worldwide. With advancements in medical science and technology, we have the opportunity to redefine the standard of care for Alzheimer's patients and provide hope where it is desperately needed."

The new clinic, which will be located in Trieste, Italy, will offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients. From cutting-edge diagnostics to innovative treatment modalities, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik and her team are committed to delivering holistic, patient-centered care that addresses both the physical and emotional dimensions of the disease.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik remains actively involved in research, with a focus on exploring novel therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions. By integrating the latest scientific findings into clinical practice, she aims to continuously improve patient outcomes and advance the field of neuroscience.

The establishment of the Alzheimer's clinic in Italy represents a significant milestone in Dr. de Leonni Stanonik's distinguished career, reflecting her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders. Through her pioneering efforts, she continues to shape the future of healthcare and inspire hope for patients and families around the world.

About Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik, MD, MA, PhD (former Surgeon General of the Republic of Slovenia)  is an esteemed neurologist with a passion for advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. With a career spanning decades, she has earned international recognition for her expertise and dedication to patient care. As a board member of SiNAPSA, the Slovenian Neuroscience Association, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik remains actively engaged in the global neuroscience community. Her newest endeavor involves the establishment of an innovative Alzheimer's clinic in Italy, where she aims to redefine the standard of care for patients with neurodegenerative conditions.

At her clinic in Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik focuses on providing personalized care to her patients, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders. She is committed to ongoing education and training to ensure that her patients receive the most advanced treatments available. The focus of her current practice is stroke/vascular neurology, memory issues as well as women's issues within neurological disorders.

She grew up in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia) and completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology (BSc.), as well as in German and Political Science (B.A.). She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology/Neurolinguistics and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Neuroscience.  In 2007, she completed her M.D. degree at the Saba University School of Medicine, followed by a medical residency in Neurology at George Washington University.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

VitaMedica Institute

2850 E Skyline Dr., Suite 130

Tucson, Arizona 85718

Tel: (520) 638-5757

Fax: (520) 447-5701

Website: https://vmi.global/

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik expects to contribute to the exchange of information and further research and cooperation between U.S. and Slovenian researchers and medical doctors. 

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, PhD, a practicing neurologist and long-time researcher based in Tucson, Arizona, has been appointed to the governing board of SiNAPSA, the Slovenian Neuroscience Association.

SiNAPSA, the Slovenian Neuroscience Association, connects researchers and professionals from various fields related to neuroscience in Slovenia and abroad. Established in 2003, it achieved international recognition by organizing the IBRO-FENS Summer School on Cognitive Neuroscience of Working Memory in 2004. It has been organizing SiNAPSA Neuroscience Conferences, workshops, and brain awareness events that have garnered widespread support and media attention in Slovenia and abroad. SiNAPSA also facilitated the creation of and has been providing support to the Slovenian Brain Council, a patient-expert-industry forum for the advancement of neuroscience research and effective translation of knowledge into clinical practice.

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of neurology, with a particular focus on critical issues such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Her studies, research and experience in the USA will enable her to facilitate the exchange of information and facilitate research and cooperation between U.S. and Slovenian researchers and medical doctors. Her vision and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of SiNAPSA and advancing the field of neuroscience in Slovenia and beyond.

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik's professional endeavors have extended beyond national borders, as she has been actively involved in international medical cooperation and telemedicine initiatives for many years.

Notes Dr. de Leonni Stanonik: „I’m honored to be part of this venerable organization, and look forward to contributing to the association's mission of promoting excellence in neuroscience. There is important neuroscience research in many places of this world, and the more we connect and exchange our experiences, we can improve treatments and results for the benefit of patients.” 

About SiNAPSA

SiNAPSA, the Slovenian Neuroscience Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in neuroscience research, education, and clinical practice. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, SiNAPSA strives to advance understanding of the brain and nervous system and improve the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders. For more information, visit https://www.sinapsa.org/

About Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik is a neurologist based in Tucson, Arizona. With a focus on providing personalized care to her patients, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders. She is committed to ongoing education and training to ensure that her patients receive the most advanced treatments available.

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik, MD, MA, PhD (former Surgeon General of the Republic of Slovenia) serves as the head of a multidisciplinary Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic, the Vita Medica Institute, in Tucson, Arizona. The focus of her current practice is stroke/vascular neurology, memory issues as well as women's issues within neurological disorders.

She grew up in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia). She completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology (BSc.), as well as in German and Political Science (B.A.).  She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology/Neurolinguistics and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Neuroscience.  In 2007, she completed her M.D. degree at the Saba University School of Medicine, followed by a medical residency in Neurology at George Washington University.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

VitaMedica Institute

2850 E Skyline Dr., Suite 130

Tucson, Arizona 85718

Tel: (520) 638-5757

Fax: (520) 447-5701

Website: https://vmi.global/

Tucson, AZ – May 10, 2024 – Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, PhD, an experienced neurologist and researcher based in Tucson, Arizona, has been welcomed as the newest member of the esteemed Tucson Society of Women Physicians. Dr. de Leonni Stanonik brings with her a wealth of experience and a dedication to serving her community.

The Tucson Society of Women Physicians is renowned for its commitment to advancing healthcare and supporting charitable initiatives in the Tucson area. Dr. de Leonni Stanonik's addition to the society further strengthens its mission to promote excellence in healthcare and contribute to the well-being of the local community.

"I am honored to join the Tucson Society of Women Physicians and to have the opportunity to collaborate with such esteemed colleagues," said Dr. de Leonni Stanonik. "I look forward to contributing to the society's charitable activities and leveraging our collective expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Tucson."

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is known for her expertise in neurology and her compassionate approach to patient care. She is dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and providing the highest quality of care to her patients.

Notes Dr. de Leonni Stanonik, "I thank the Society for having welcomed to their ranks. With my experience as a physician and my passion for healthcare and philanthropy, I hope to become a valuable addition to the organization. I look forward to working together to further our shared goals of promoting health and wellness in our community."

As a member of the Tucson Society of Women Physicians, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of charitable activities, including community health fairs, educational programs, and initiatives to support underserved populations.

For more information about Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik and the Tucson Society of Women Physicians, please visit and https://vmi.global/ and https://tucsonsocietyofwomenphysicians.com/ 

About Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik is a neurologist based in Tucson, Arizona. With a focus on providing personalized care to her patients, Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders. She is committed to ongoing education and training to ensure that her patients receive the most advanced treatments available.

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik, MD, MA, PhD (former Surgeon General of the Republic of Slovenia) serves as the head of a multidisciplinary Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic, the Vita Medica Institute, in Tucson, Arizona. The focus of her current practice is stroke/vascular neurology, memory issues as well as women's issues within neurological disorders.

She grew up in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia). She completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology (BSc.), as well as in German and Political Science (B.A.).  She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology/Neurolinguistics and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Neuroscience.  In 2007, she completed her M.D. degree at the Saba University School of Medicine, followed by a medical residency in Neurology at George Washington University.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

VitaMedica Institute

2850 E Skyline Dr., Suite 130

Tucson, Arizona 85718

Tel: (520) 638-5757

Fax: (520) 447-5701

Website: https://vmi.global/

About the Tucson Society of Women Physicians

The Tucson Society of Women Physicians is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women in medicine. Comprised of physicians from various specialties, the society is committed to advancing healthcare and addressing the unique needs of women in the medical profession. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, the society strives to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families in the Tucson area.

Researcher and neurologist Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik makes her Alzheimer’s research collection available in the form of a Blog

On the website, Dr. de Leonni’s information is divided in high-level research summaries, such as NIH publications, and comprehensible information for the general public interested in Alzheimer’s.

By Vita Medica Institute 

Alzheimer’s has been a long-time research interest of Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, PhD, a Tucson-based neurologist. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 6.7 million Americans today are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. The exact cause of Alzheimer's is elusive. According to current scientific opinions, it is caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These proteins are amyloid (which forms plaques around brain cells), and tau (which form tangles within brain cells). The result is a loss of neurons and their connections.

But we don't really know what sets these proteins amyloid and tau in motion. Some genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified. Other risk factors are head injuries, depression, and high blood pressure.

Dr. de Leonni works with Alzheimer’s patients on a daily basis, providing Alzheimer’s Dementia Beta Amyloid Plaque PET Scanning, and in-office IV Infusion of Alzheimer’s Medication. Because of her past and current clinical and research work, Dr. de Leonni has accumulated large amounts of research data that she is now gradually making available to interested researchers and the general public. For this purpose, she set up a dedicated website, https://alzheimersresearch.info/

There, the information is divided in high-level research summaries, such as NIH publications, and comprehensible information for the general public interested in Alzheimer’s. Dr. de Leonni Stanonik explains that “in this modern world of ours, more and more medical research becomes available every day. I have made an effort for myself to gather and organize Alzheimer’s information. But this effort can have broader effect if I share it with interested parties. Thus, I decided to make it available on a special website.”

There are several treatment options available for Alzheimer's. Now there are two new treatments, both administered by intravenous infusion, that have shown encouraging results. They are Aducanumab (Aduhelm) and Lecanemab.

The Food and Drug Administration (abbreviated FDA) approved Aducanumab through accelerated approval in June 2021. See https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-alzheimers-drug

This FDA approval is noteworthy—it was the first in over 18 years. It is the first treatment to attack what many believe is an underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease, the build-up of proteins in the brain. Aducanumab is a so-called monoclonal antibody (MAB) that stimulates the human immune system to break down the plaques that form in the brains of people with dementia.

However, Aducanumab will be discontinued as Alzheimer’s treatment by its manufacturer Biogen in November 2024, not because of safety or efficacy. See https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/aducanumab?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_strategic_search&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk85u8SvtRBPmiL5odwauV0TSGN1BijOXWWO-CEDgqiFhEWHs9EA7OvAaAsU2EALw_wcB

The FDA approved Lecanemab as another treatment for early Alzheimer's, also through the accelerated approval procedure because clinical trials have shown that it removes the sticky proteins in the brains of early-stage Alzheimer's patients. Thus, it is "reasonably likely" that the treatment is effective.

The National Institutes of Health (abbreviated NIH) recently published a related study of Lecanemab. See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36449413/

In brief, the clinical trial had 1,795 participants with early-stage Alzheimer's. The results showed a 27% reduced clinical decline on the global cognitive and functional scale (abbreviated CDR-SB), compared with placebo treatment.

Dr. de Leonni also cautions, however, that “in all medical matters, one should not act based solely on information found on the internet, but instead review the issues with the medical doctor who has the patient’s medical history and has personally examined the patient.”

About Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, MA, PhD (former Surgeon General of the Republic of Slovenia) is the head of a multidisciplinary Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic, the Vita Medica Institute, in Tucson, Arizona. The focus of her current practice is stroke/vascular neurology, memory issues as well as women's issues within neurological disorders.

Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, BA, BSc, MA, MD, PhD, grew up in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia). She completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology (BSc.), as well as in German and Political Science (B.A.).  She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology/Neurolinguistics and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Neuroscience.  In 2007, she completed her M.D. degree at the Saba University School of Medicine, followed by a medical residency in Neurology at George Washington University.

Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is passionate about preserving brain health well into the golden years of life which allows patients to maintain quality of life as much as possible. Thus, she routinely uses treatments to limit cognitive decline.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik

VitaMedica Institute

2850 E Skyline Dr., Suite 130

Tucson, Arizona 85718

Tel: (520) 638-5757

Fax: (520) 447-5701

Website: https://vmi.global/