Tribute to Longtime Advocate Robert D. Voogt, Ph.D.

The Brain Injury Association of America regrets to report the passing of Robert D. Voogt, Ph.D., on February 13, 2018. Bob had a lengthy history with BIAA (both when we were the National Head Injury Foundation and Brain Injury Association), including serving as Chairman of the BIAA Board of Directors and in numerous other volunteer leadership positions throughout the 1990s. Bob and his ex-wife, Karen Royall (who also served on the board and survives Bob with their two children) were extremely generous benefactors of BIAA.

Bob received NHIF’s “Thumbs Up” award from Former Reagan Press Secretary Jim Brady in 1994 for his lifelong support of TBI initiatives and individuals. He was one of the first Life Care Planners to be involved in catastrophic care planning for individuals and also owned and operated Neurological Rehabilitation Living Centers in New Orleans and Virginia Beach. Bob coined the phrase “cognitive prosthesis” to describe the role of family caregivers and other advocates supporting individuals with brain injury. He pioneered a work hardening program for survivors as part of his rehabilitation center, and he created the first era-specific, sensory-rich memory center for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a cruel twist of fate, Bob developed a progressive dementia about 10 years ago. In true Bob spirit, although he lost his ability to speak, he worked with scientists at John Hopkins to study the disease and advocate for others with progressive dysarthria. This article in his local newspaper explains more about his life.

Dr. Ron Savage, a long-time friend to both Bob and BIAA, noted that it was only fitting that Bob died on Fat Tuesday given his love for all things New Orleans. We will remember him for the crawfish etouffee that he cooked at national and international meetings in homage to his love of good food and entertaining.