MDR-Champagne Center for Brain Health

In the middle of May, NCH on Marco Island welcomed the organization, MDR-Your Brain Health Matters, to the second floor of the Outpatient Medical Building located at 40 S. Heathwood Drive. The decision to lease space on the second floor was made well over a year ago, but due to the permitting and renovation process, this prominent community-based center celebrated their new home recently.

A generous donation from Rene and Teresa Champagne, engaged citizens on Marco Island, turned the organization’s move from a dream to reality. Prior to leasing space from NCH, MDR-Your Brain Health Matters utilized churches to provide their services. According to neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Nussbaum, “our new home provides Marco residents with a more private and cohesive space in which to provide three main services—1) participant program led by Stephanie Bean offering psychosocial support activities; 2) caregiver support groups designed to alleviate some of the stress involved in daily care of someone with brain health issues led by Byron Farrell; and 3) outpatient memory assessment center allowing people to obtain diagnostic examination and ongoing treatment coordination headed up by me.”

MDR-Your Brain Health Matters’ goal is to be the trusted source for brain health in the community. Teaching the basics of brain health from a lifestyle perspective, Dr. Nussbaum believes in reinforcing the following five pillars: nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation, socialization, and spirituality. “Building resilience is important. We want our brains to look like a jungle, reflecting robust and healthy neural connections,” offers Dr. Nussbaum.

Collier County statistics show that approximately 12% of County residents suffer from dementia or some form of memory impairment. All the services offered are free except for the assessments which are offered at half of what most providers would charge.

“We are here to empower the community and offer hope, and I look forward to coordinating our services with other healthcare providers, making our new space with NCH ideal,” says Dr. Nussbaum.