Dr. Joseph Maroon

03/27/2026

"Your daily walk matters in more ways than you think" from CNN Health...

https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/health/walking-stronger-movement-strength-wellness

Walking affects pelvic alignment, core stability, hip mobility, balance, breathing and even how your nervous system regulates tension.

03/26/2026

Press Release: March 24, 2026 – Dr. Joseph Maroon was the invited speaker to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NFL Players Association meeting hosted at the Rivers Club. Former NFL players gather quarterly to discuss charitable activities, community relations and network with former colleagues.

Dr. Maroon spoke to the group about mental and physical health issues related to the traumatic injuries associated with professional football. Discussions included the relationship of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to repetitive head injuries, a healthy health-span versus life-span and ongoing research projects in the Department of Neurosurgery with Dr. Pravat Mandal using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate the antioxidant, glutathione, in the brains of former NFL players, Navy SEALS and Special Warfare Combatants.

Additional trial information available at.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07064005?cond=glutathione%20parkinsons&rank=1

Contact & registration
Dr. Pravat K. Manda I, Ph.D (Principal Investigator)
Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, MD (Co-Investigator)
Department of Neurological Surgery
Email: clinic55@pitt.edu

Pictured, front row (left to right): Judge Dwayne Woodruff, Dante Ford, Joe Maroon, Ron Coder, Anthony Briggs, Rod Morris

03/25/2026

"Physical Activity Rewires the Traumatized Brain" from Neuroscience News...

For years, the neurological impact of childhood trauma was often viewed as a permanent “scar” on the brain. However, new research challenges this deterministic view.

https://neurosciencenews.com/physical-activity-trauma-resilience-30335/

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New research shows that lifetime physical activity can moderate the brain's response to childhood trauma, strengthening neural connectivity and promoting stress resilience.

03/24/2026

Press Release: Dr. Joseph Maroon was a moderator and speaker for the Chuck Noll Foundation symposium on Advances in Brain Injury Research – Transforming Lives Through Better Science held at Acrisure Stadium on March 20, 2026.

Featured speakers included Dr. Micky Collins, Dr. Anthony Kontos, Dr. David Okonkwo and Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, president of Michigan State University who spoke on updated guidelines for concussion management and biomarkers. Dr. Julie Rios and others discussed the women’s health concussion study, and Dr. Julia Kofler reported on the University of Pittsburgh Sports Brain Bank initiative, both supported by the Chuck Noll Foundation.

Dr. Maroon addressed the question, “What’s next in brain injury and brain health research?”. He discussed the use of photo biomodulation or red-light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the use of MR Spectroscopy to detect deficiency of glutathione, the primary antioxidant in the brain, in patients with repetitive hits to the head. There were over 200 attendees, and intense discussion ensued.

03/20/2026

"Brain game may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias" from CNN Health...

A certain type of brain training appears to prevent or delay dementia by some 25% in people older than age 65, according to new research.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/10/health/brain-training-dementia-study-wellness

A 20-year study found a brain game that boosts speed and splits attention helped prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

03/19/2026

"Just 20 minutes of physical activity may benefit your memory" from Medical News Today...

Increased hippocampal activity may support memory consolidation, potentially helping the brain process and store information.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/20-minutes-exercise-could-support-memory

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A new study suggest that brief exercise, such as 20 minutes of moderate cycling, can boost brain activity, which may help to improve memory.

03/16/2026

March 13, 2026 - Dr. Joseph C. Maroon was the invited lecturer to speak to the students at Sewickley Academy interested in Neuroscience and medicine. He spoke on Connectomics (the wiring diagram of the brain), NeuroEpigenetics, and neuroplasticity.

A wide discussion ensued on the use of AI diagnostically and therapeutically in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Maroon shared his research work on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how oxidative stress is common to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

03/06/2026

Press Release - Keynote Address to Department of Orthopedics: On February 24, 2026, the Department of Orthopedics at UPMC held their inaugural residency retreat at the Omni Bedford Springs Hotel. This unique resident educational program provided not only an opportunity for camaraderie but also high-level educational discussions on professionalism, medical-legal issues and teaching feedback.

Dr. Joseph Maroon of the Department of Neurosurgery gave a keynote address on well-being and avoiding burn out. It is estimated that 50-60% of surgical residents will experience, at some point, being overwhelmed, overcommitted, overburdened and lead to potential burn out. Dr. Maroon discussed his book, Square One, and how to lead a balanced life despite the vicissitudes encountered with patient care.

03/05/2026

At the Chuck Noll Foundation event in Palm Beach on March 4th, Dr. Maroon, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, was an invited speaker along with Jerome Bettis and Mr. Art Rooney. He discussed the various high-level projects in sports-related traumatic brain injury supported by the foundation.

Funded projects involve the use of the accelerometer instrumented mouthguard and finite analysis of the brain conducted by Dr. Ruben Kraft at Penn State; the study of Dr. Pravat Mandal at the University of Pittsburgh measuring the antioxidant glutathione in the brain with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in former NFL Players, Navy, Seals, and other combat soldiers; and a discussion of innovative approaches to the treatment of Post Concussion Syndrome including the use of Red-Light therapy or Photobiomodulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy of the brain.

03/03/2026

I am so very honored that the UPMC School of Medicine has recognized my dedication to medical education by posting praise from one of my students on the electronic screens throughout Scaife Hall. By celebrating phenomenal individuals in this public space, they are highlighting the value of education and professionalism for our entire Pitt Med community.

03/02/2026

"Emotional Eating: What You Should Know" from Healthline...

https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-eating

Do you race to the pantry when you feel down or otherwise upset? You’re not alone. It’s common for people to turn to food for comfort as a way to cope with big, difficult feelings.

02/27/2026

"What Happens To Your Brain After You Cut Out Added Sugar for a Month" from VeryWellMind...

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-cut-out-added-sugar-11907903

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