Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Pacific Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Neurological Care, All in One Place, Focused on You. Our Linktree: https://shorturl.at/QIKQa We are a site for several clinical trials.

The Pacific Neuroscience Institute located at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Providence Saint John's Health Center specializes in the treatment and care of patients with pituitary, brain and skull base tumors and other neurological disorders. Founded by Dr. Daniel Kelly, PNI emphasizes patient specific care with leading-edge minimally invasive surgical techniques and instrumentation. Our Research Center collaborates closely with scientists at the John Wayne Cancer Institute conducting research in basic science, preclinical research and translational research studies. Education is a high priority at our institute, where we train top surgical fellows in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. We also routinely participate in community outreach programs at local and national circles.

What really happens to the brain after age 50—and how much control do we actually have?In a recent HuffPost article, Dr....
01/23/2026

What really happens to the brain after age 50—and how much control do we actually have?

In a recent HuffPost article, Dr. Dale Bredesen of Pacific Neuroscience Institute explains how hormonal shifts, metabolic health, inflammation, and lifestyle choices all influence how the brain ages. While some changes are normal, research shows that daily habits like exercise, sleep, nutrition, and social connection can meaningfully affect memory, focus, and long-term cognitive health.

This article breaks down what’s expected with aging, what may signal concern, and what actions support brain health at every stage of life.

Read the full article here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctors-reveal-exactly-what-happens-to-your-brain-after-you-turn-50-g_l_691f82fce4b047290e295ebf

Researchers at the Pacific Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center studied whether a structured lif...
01/22/2026

Researchers at the Pacific Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center studied whether a structured lifestyle and medical support program could benefit people with early Alzheimer’s disease. The PREVENTION trial is led by David Merrill, MD, PhD, and Jennifer Bramen, PhD.

In a one-year clinical trial, participants who received personalized coaching, FitBrain™, a cognitively stimulating physical exercise program, nutrition guidance, supplementation, and medical management showed improvements in blood flow to key brain regions compared with those who received medical management and recommendations alone.

Participants who adhered more closely to the program experienced greater benefits and showed lower diabetes risk, an important contributor to cognitive decline.

Overall, the findings suggest that hands-on, multi-component lifestyle programs may support brain health in early Alzheimer’s disease, especially for individuals who actively engage with the intervention. Click the link below to learn more.

https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-prevention-mid-trial-results-published/

01/21/2026

Thinking about brain health before symptoms show up? ⁠

In this Think Neuro podcast episode, Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, who runs the Fit Brain Program at PNI, sits down with Dan Fost to talk about who brain health support is really for—from older adults and those living with Parkinson’s or cognitive changes to people who simply want to stay sharp as they age.⁠

Ryan shares that while there’s a lot of advice out there, the real challenge is turning knowledge into daily habits. That’s where health coaching, paired with a clinical care team, helps make changes realistic and personal.⁠⁠

This episode explores how combining exercise and gaming may support better brain health—and why guidance and consistency matter more than trying to do everything at once.⁠

🎧 Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast platform.⁠⁠

01/20/2026

Thyroid Awareness Month is a time to focus on a small gland with a major role in overall health.

The thyroid influences metabolism, energy, heart rate, mood, and more. When it is not working properly, symptoms can be easy to miss or misread.

At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Vivian Wu provides expert thyroid and endocrine care, helping patients understand their symptoms and move forward with clear treatment plans.

This month, we encourage everyone to pay attention to changes in their body and seek care when something does not feel right.

A sudden headache can signal something far more serious.In 2014, F***y experienced intense pain that turned out to be a ...
01/19/2026

A sudden headache can signal something far more serious.

In 2014, F***y experienced intense pain that turned out to be a subarachnoid hemorrhage, followed by hydrocephalus. Her recovery depended on quick action and expert neurosurgical care.

Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian of Pacific Neuroscience Institute led her treatment, making time-sensitive decisions that gave her the chance to recover and return to everyday life.

Her story reflects what strong medical teams, sound judgment, and compassionate care can achieve in neurosurgical emergencies.

Read the full story here: https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/hydrocephalus/subarachnoid-hemorrhage-and-hydrocephalus/

01/16/2026

Meet Dan Fost—veteran journalist and longtime voice in science and health reporting.

With work published in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and years as a staff writer at the San Francisco Chronicle, Dan brings decades of insight into stories that shape how we understand medicine, technology, and the human experience.

This season on the Think Neuro Podcast, Dan joins the team at Pacific Neuroscience Institute to share the real stories behind some of the most complex brain diseases—through the people who treat them and the paths that brought them there.

Listen to Think Neuro wherever you get your podcasts.

Exercise supports brain health best when it includes more than just one type of movement. In this article, Ryan Glatt ex...
01/16/2026

Exercise supports brain health best when it includes more than just one type of movement. In this article, Ryan Glatt explores how a multimodal approach—combining aerobic exercise, resistance training, and neuromotor activities like balance and coordination—can support both cognitive and physical health.

Rather than focusing on rigid New Year resolutions, the article encourages small, practical adjustments that make exercise more sustainable over time. A thoughtful, well-rounded routine can support consistency, enjoyment, and long-term brain wellness.

Click the link below to read the full article.

https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/brain-wellness-lifestyle/approaching-exercise-from-all-angles/

Save the date for the 2026 Pacific Rim Conference.This advanced, hands-on course brings together leading expertise in th...
01/15/2026

Save the date for the 2026 Pacific Rim Conference.

This advanced, hands-on course brings together leading expertise in the treatment of brain, skull base, and pituitary tumors, with focused microdissection training designed for real-world surgical application.

📍 Santa Monica, CA
📅 March 27–29, 2026

A collaboration between Pacific Neuroscience Institute and the University of Colorado, led by course directors Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian (PNI) and A. Samy Youssef, MD, PhD.

Get your tickets today, link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-pacific-rim-master-class-in-endoscopic-endonasal-keyhole-surgery-tickets-1977429475793?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/14/2026

Having trouble standing up straight or walking comfortably because of spinal alignment issues?
⁠
In this PNI Minute, Marcus D. Mazur, MD, spine neurosurgeon, explains how spinal reconstructive surgery helps people with deformities regain balance, posture, and the ability to move with less pain. These procedures focus on improving alignment so patients can stand taller and walk more easily.
⁠
Dr. Mazur shares how he evaluates patients using X-rays, physical exams, and walking assessments to understand what’s causing their symptoms and which treatment options make the most sense.
⁠
For many patients living with severe pain or limited mobility, surgery can lead to meaningful changes in daily life—making simple things like standing and walking feel possible again.
⁠
🎧 Listen to this episode here: https://shorturl.at/ZQahZ
⁠

Join us today at 12:30 PM PT for Grand Rounds.Marcus Mazur, MD, will present Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Practical Guide to...
01/13/2026

Join us today at 12:30 PM PT for Grand Rounds.

Marcus Mazur, MD, will present Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Practical Guide to a Surgical Emergency, moderated by Walavan Sivakumar, MD, and Jian Guan, MD.

This month’s Grand Rounds includes CME credit. Please be sure to sign in using your full name to receive credit.

Zoom Meeting Information:

💙 Link: https://zoom.us/join

💙 Webinar ID: 895 4586 0279

💙 Passcode: 90503

The MIND diet is an evidence-informed eating pattern designed to support long-term brain health. It combines components ...
01/12/2026

The MIND diet is an evidence-informed eating pattern designed to support long-term brain health. It combines components of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizing vegetables (especially leafy greens), berries, nuts, beans, whole grains, seafood, and poultry.

Research shows that diets high in saturated fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates are linked with poorer cognitive outcomes, while nutrient-dense patterns like MIND may be associated with reduced dementia risk.

Explore practical ways to incorporate these foods into your routine and learn why diet is a key pillar of cognitive wellness in the full blog post by Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN.

https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/brain-wellness-lifestyle/what-is-the-mind-diet/

Join us next week on January 13 at 12:30 PM PT for Grand Rounds.Marcus Mazur, MD, will present Cauda Equina Syndrome: A ...
01/10/2026

Join us next week on January 13 at 12:30 PM PT for Grand Rounds.

Marcus Mazur, MD, will present Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Practical Guide to a Surgical Emergency, moderated by Walavan Sivakumar, MD, and Jian Guan, MD.

This month’s Grand Rounds includes CME credit. Please be sure to sign in using your full name to receive credit.

Zoom Meeting Information:

💙 Link: https://zoom.us/join

💙 Webinar ID: 895 4586 0279

💙 Passcode: 90503

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2125 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
90404

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