Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, MD, PhD
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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. 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. She has further fellowship training in five different subspecialties in Neurology and neurointerventional vascular Neuroradiology.
Dr. de Leonni Stanonik is passionate about preserving brain health well into the golden years of life, allowing patients to maintain quality of life as much as possible. Thus, she routinely uses treatments to afford healthy aging of the brain and slow down any cognitive decline.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- How Dr. de Leonni Stanonik translates evidence-based neuroscience to debunk global myths about dementia and cognitive decline.
- Why managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure reduces your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
- How treating hearing loss can proactively mitigate cognitive decline and support long-term brain health.
- Why national dementia plans and federal funding drives are essential to accelerate Alzheimer's research and care.
- How doctors partner with global coalitions to shape public health policies that prioritize cognitive decline.
- How local training networks and community health workers improve early identification of dementia in underserved communities.
- Why primary care diagnostic guidelines empower doctors to catch early-stage dementia closer to home.
- How patient-centered tools like PRIME help individuals with cognitive impairment articulate their care needs.
- How biologic infusion medications and holistic natural agents can promote healthy brain aging and slow cognitive decline.
- Why Dr. de Leonni Stanonik's multidisciplinary approach is transforming outcomes for Alzheimer's patients worldwide.
about the show
America’s Best Doctors is a business documentary series featuring medical professionals, healthcare leaders, innovators, and physicians who are making a meaningful impact in the lives of their patients and communities.
Each episode takes viewers beyond the white coat to explore the real story behind the doctor. Guests share the challenges, sacrifices, breakthroughs, and defining moments that shaped their careers and helped them become trusted leaders in medicine.
The series highlights doctors who have built their reputation through skill, compassion, innovation, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives. From patient care and medical breakthroughs to practice growth and community impact, America’s Best Doctors shows what it takes to lead in one of the most demanding fields in the world.
Through powerful interviews and documentary-style storytelling, the series gives audiences a closer look at the people, purpose, and humanity behind modern medicine.
For featured guests, America’s Best Doctors provides a platform to share their journey, build authority, and help viewers understand the passion and dedication behind their work.
