Stroke is the leading cause of adult neurological disability, the second leading cause of dementia and the third leading cause of death in North America.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery (HSFCSR) is a unique virtual centre encompassing three sites in two cities:

Under the leadership of Site Director, Dr. Brian Levine, scientists in Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute(RRI) and Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied & Evaluative Research Unit (KLAERU) are designing and examining cognitive-behavioural therapies, and analyzing brain imaging network changes using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Evoked Potentials to provide a more dynamic understanding of human brain recovery.

• Dr. Jon Ween has developed a 20-minute neurophychological assessment battery that has been specially designed for use with stroke patients.
• Dr. Deirdre Dawson works with patients to develop skills following stroke on day-to-day tasks such as handling money and shopping.
• Dr. Nicole Anderson focuses on cognitive interventions for adults recovering from stroke.

Scientists and Clinicians

The combination of this strong research base with the experience of Baycrest staff in the Posluns Centre for Stroke and Cognition and Brain Health Centre Clinic maximizes not only the accuracy of diagnosis, but the development, evaluation and improvement of rehabilitation and care strategies as well.  It is the symbiosis between scientists and clinicians that is essential to improving the post-stroke quality of life for seniors.

Partnership

At Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, researchers design and test pharmaceutical, cognitive and physical interventions to optimize recovery of ambulation, upper arm and hand function, and cognitive deficits. These assess brain tissue loss and brain activity through advanced imaging technologies, such as Functional and Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and perfusion imaging.

At the University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute researchers are seeking to advance understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in brain repair. Ottawa is the headquarters for the Canadian Stroke Network and Stem Cell Network, and is part of Genome Canada and the Canadian Proteomics Initiative.