The medical after-effects of a stroke can be mild or severe. But for young survivors, the consequences of returning to their lives after a stroke, can be just as devastating. In fact, only half of stroke patients under the age of 65 ever return to work – and far more cope with depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue.

On today’s episode, Heather meets with Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, a pioneer in the field of stroke in young adults. They discuss the latest research, including a new study led by Dr. Pikula, looking at how  lifestyle interventions post stroke  may help to improve long-term outcomes. Plus, we hear from two of Dr. Pikula’s patients to gain a deeper perspective on how they are reclaiming their lives and a nurse practitioner in the stroke unit, about what it’s like when a Code Stroke is called.

Featuring:
Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, Neurologist, Clinician Investigator and Director of Stroke Research with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Special thanks to La Croix Calloo, Marianne Fedunkiw, and Tim Stewart for sharing their stories.

To hear more from La Croix and Marianne,  listen to their full stories here: https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Complex-Brain-Podcast/

Additional Resources:
Krembil Brain Institute Stroke Prevention Clinic
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
University of Toronto – Stroke

Videos:
‘Krembil Minute’ showcasing Krembil Brain Institute’s world class stroke team
Dr. Timo Krings, head of neuroradiology, imaging and intervention at Krembil Brain Institute and the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at UHN, on why he loves his job.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening! 

With the controversial approval of Alzheimer’s drug Aducanumab in the United States, we speak to neurologist and medicinal chemist Dr. Donald Weaver, to break down the science, sift through the hype, and help us understand why it’s so difficult to diagnose and treat a disease that affects more than 55 million people worldwide. As the co-Director of Krembil Brain Institute  and with thirty years of experience as both a doctor and a scientist, Dr. Weaver is not convinced this new drug is the answer. But he says progress is being made and there’s plenty of reason for hope. Plus, we go on an inspiring journey with Patty Kim, who is caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s and there are tangible tips on how to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Featuring:
Dr. Weaver, Neurologist, Medicinal Chemist, and the co-Director of KBI
Special thanks to Patty Kim for sharing her story.

To hear more from Patty, listen to her full story here:  https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Complex-Brain-Podcast/

Additional Resources:
Krembil Brain Institute
Dr. Donald Weaver’s lab website
The Alzheimer Society of Canada
Ontario Caregiver Organization
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Specialized Dementia Unit
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance

Videos:
Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Living with Dementia: A Caregiver’s Perspective
The Future of Alzheimer’s Symposium

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening! 

Explore the myths, mysteries, and medical breakthroughs of the most complex and powerful organ in your body – your brain. Weaving together expert interviews with heartfelt, inspiring snapshots of the patients and family members in the middle of it all, Heather Sherman dives into the latest science on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, concussion, spinal cord injury, brain cancer, chronic pain and other brain diseases and disorders. Along the way she uncovers surprising insights, sheds light on the latest research, and shares heroic, real life stories from the people on the front lines. Brought to you by Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, one of the largest and most comprehensive neurological centres in North America. Learn more about our mission at: uhn.ca/krembil. 

Episode 1 launches Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!