Schedule

Dr. Sean Dukelow, Canadian Stroke Congress Co-Chair, CanStroke Platform Principal Investigator

Dr. Jodi Edwards, Canadian Stroke Congress Co-Chair, StrokeCog Platform Principal Investigator

Mr. Farrell Leibovitch, CanStroke & StrokeCog Platform Director

Description: In this opening session, you’ll hear welcoming remarks from the conference organizers, as well as a heartfelt introduction from an Indigenous individual who will share their personal stroke journey and extend a warm welcome to the Congress.

Speakers: Dr. Russ Greiner, Dr. Carlos Molina, Dr. Marta Rubiera

Moderator: Dr. Jodi Edwards 

Description: In this era of unprecedented technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is driving transformative changes across nearly every field. This expert panel will present an overview of the latest evidence on the application of AI technologies across the stroke continuum, encompassing prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and recovery. Drs. Greiner, Molina and Rubiera will also highlight key opportunities and potential challenges associated with integrating these cutting-edge methods into clinical care.

Speakers: Dr. Sue Peters, Dr. Jodi Edwards, Dr. Numa Dancause, Dr. Sean Dukelow, Dr. Ada Tang, Dr. Brodie Sakakibara, Dr. Paul Mackie, Dr. Bijoy Menon

Moderators: Dr. Sean Dukelow and Dr. Jodi Edwards 

Description: This session will offer updates on Canada’s dynamic stroke clinical trials landscape and their significant impact on the field of stroke recovery, both nationally and globally.

WHAT’S NEW IN STROKE PREVENTION?

Speakers: Dr. Andrew Demchuk, Dr. Thalia Field

Moderator: Dr. Richard Swartz 

Description: Drs. Demchuk and Field will provide an update on the latest evidence in stroke prevention and highlight important future directions for preventing stroke in our diverse and aging population.

NEW METHODS OF STIMULATION

Speakers: Dr. Friedhelm Hummel, Dr. Aaron Phillips

Moderator: Dr. Lara Boyd 

Description: Brain stimulation has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment, offering targeted stimulation to brain regions affected by stroke to optimize recovery. This session will feature presentations by experts Drs. Hummel and Phillips who will discuss innovative brain stimulation techniques and highlight key opportunities for translating this research into clinical practice for stroke recovery.

MENTAL HEALTH & COGNITIVE THERAPIES AFTER STROKE

Speakers: Dr. LeAnne Greer, Dr. Swati Mehta, Dr. Paul Albert, Dr. Eric Smith

Moderator: Dr. Mark Bayley 

Description: The intersection between mental health and clinical and cognitive outcomes is increasingly recognized as crucial for overall brain health and quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Drs. Greer, Mehta and Albert will highlight best practices for mental health and cognitive therapies post-stroke and present new evidence on the mechanisms underlying these important conditions.

WHAT’S NEW IN ACUTE STROKE?

Speakers: Dr. Michael Hill, Dr. Aristeidis Katsanos, Dr. Mayank Goyal

Moderator: Dr. Cary Fan

Description: This session will provide updates by Drs. Hill, Katsanos, and Goyal on the latest evidence in acute stroke diagnostics and therapies and highlight significant future directions for managing acute stroke in our diverse and aging population.

COMMUNICATION ISSUES AFTER STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Karine Marcotte, Dr. Catriona Steele

Moderator: Dr. Esther Kim 

Description: Communication impairments following a stroke are among the most challenging obstacles to recovery and quality of life for survivors. Drs. Marcotte and Steele will present new clinical and imaging evidence on the mechanisms of post-stroke language disorders and potential treatment targets to alleviate these deficits.

VASCULAR COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT & STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Sandra Black, Dr. Richard Swartz, Dr. Shawn Whitehead

Moderator: Dr. Eric Smith 

Description: Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) affects millions globally and significantly impacts stroke recovery. In this session leading experts Drs. Black, Swartz and Whitehead will cover VCI from preclinical perspectives to clinical guidelines on recognition and management. Additionally, they will provide insights into future directions for the field of VCI.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS #1

Speakers: TBC

Moderator: Dr. Lisa Sheehy 

ORAL PRESENTATIONS #2

Speakers: TBC

Moderator: Ms. Andrea Pearce 

ORAL PRESENTATIONS #3

Speakers: TBC

Moderator: Dr. Catherine Mercier 

Description: Join one of the enlightening concurrent sessions of oral presentations, featuring the top-ranked abstracts selected from a diverse array of submissions. Each session will showcase cutting-edge research and innovative findings across various aspects of stroke research and care. Presenters will share their groundbreaking work, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leading researchers and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the latest advancements in the field.

Description: Join us for an engaging academic poster session at Congress, featuring a diverse array of research in stroke. This session will provide an excellent platform for researchers to present their latest findings and foster collaborative discussions. A moderated poster session, led by a distinguished researcher in the field, will highlight key studies and offer insights into emerging trends and innovative approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for advancing stroke research.

Speaker: Dr. Dale Corbett

Moderators: Dr. Sean Dukelow and Dr. Numa Dancause 

Description: Dr. Dale Corbett has been a leader in the stroke community for over 40 years, pioneering novel forms of stroke rehabilitation, including the optimal dose of exercise and other therapeutics to enhance neuroplasticity. In this inaugural Dale Corbett Translational Lectureship, Dr. Corbett will highlight key accomplishments from his distinguished career as a researcher in stroke recovery and leader of national recovery organizations.

Speakers: Dr. Carlos Molina (PRO) and Dr. Mayank Goyal (CON)

Moderator: Dr. Marta Rubiera 

Description: The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is rapidly transforming medical practice. However, the speed of advancements raises the question of whether AI is ready for stroke imaging diagnostics. In this session, Drs. Molina and Goyal will present arguments about the readiness of AI for stroke diagnostics, offering opposing views on this critical issue.

The Welcome Reception for the Canadian Stroke Congress is designed to foster connections and celebrate achievements in the field of stroke research and care. Delegates, speakers, distinguished award winners, trainees, and people with lived experience gather in a warm, inviting atmosphere, providing ample opportunities for networking and sharing insights. Attendees can enjoy meaningful conversations, make valuable professional connections and exchange ideas with leaders and peers in stroke research.

Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Inness (PRO) and Dr. Brodie Sakakibara (CON)

Moderator: Dr. Robert Teasell 

Description: Prior to the pandemic, many clinicians were skeptical of virtual rehabilitation due to concerns about safety, privacy, and the inability to apply hands-on skills. However, the potential advantages, such as extending expert services geographically, are significant. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in clinician behavior, leading to a greater acceptance of virtual rehabilitation. Many clinicians now continue to incorporate virtual rehabilitation into their practice. Drs. Inness and Sakakibara will debate whether virtual rehab is truly a panacea or if it has opened Pandora’s box.

CANADIAN STROKE BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS (CSBPR) REHABILITATION & RECOVERY FOLLOWING STROKE

Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Yao

Moderator: Dr. Patrice Lindsay 

Description: Dr. Jennifer Yao, writing group lead, will review the latest CSBPR guidelines for Rehabilitation and Recovery, providing a comprehensive update on best practice recommendations.

BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE

Speaker: Dr. Adam Kirton, Dr. Christoph Guger

Moderator: Dr. Friedhelm Hummel

Description: When the brain cannot recover function, one potential solution is to replace the lost function with a machine. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can control robotic limbs and augment communication for individuals with aphasia or locked-in syndrome. Drs. Kirton and Guger will walk through the basics of brain computer interfaces and their potential for the future, as well as a demonstration of a BCI device.

ACCELERATING CLINICAL TRIALS (ACT) CONSORTIUM AND AFFILIATED STROKE NETWORKS 

Speaker: Dr. P.J. Deveraux, Dr. Sean Dukelow, Dr. Jodi Edwards, Dr. Andrew Demchuk

Moderator: Dr. Sean Dukelow 

Description: Advancing the field requires multi-site clinical trials. The Accelerating Clinical Trials Consortium, funded by CIHR, aims to streamline clinical trial processes in Canada, making them more feasible for researchers and accessible for patients. Dr. Devereaux, the overall Principal Investigator for the Consortium, will provide an update on ACT’s inner workings, including their portfolio hospital system and efforts towards a national research ethics board. The session will also include updates from some of the ACT-affiliated stroke networks.

RETURNING TO MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES AFTER STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Allan Garland, Dr. Hillel Finestone, Dr. Annie Rochette

Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Yao 

Description: Sex, driving, and returning to work are common concerns for stroke survivors. This session will explore the art and science of resuming these meaningful activities post-stroke. While aimed at clinicians, anyone can benefit from the information presented.

VISION & STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Fiona Rowe, Dr. Doug Munoz

Moderator: Dr. Sean Dukelow 

Description: Can you see me now? Many stroke survivors experience vision impairments, affecting their ability to work, drive, and engage in daily activities. Dr. Rowe will discuss the range of vision impairments following stroke and offer assessment and outcome strategies. Dr. Munoz will review how preclinical work and research on eye movements can inform our understanding of stroke-related vision loss.

WHEN IS A THERAPY READY TO IMPLEMENT IN PRACTICE – IS A LARGE RCT NEEDED?

Speakers: Dr. Doug Cook, Dr. Bijoy Menon, Dr. Michelle Ploughman

Moderator: Dr. Robert Teasell 

Description: Deciding when to implement a novel therapy into practice is critical, often made without the benefit of large, pivotal phase III clinical trials. Drs. Cook, Menon, and Ploughman will share their collective experience on when and if new therapies are ready for implementation, ensuring a lively and engaging discussion.

ENGAGING PATIENT PARTNERS IN RESEARCH

Speakers: Ms. Jennifer Monaghan, Dr. Annie LeBlanc, Dr. Dawn Richards

Moderator: Dr. Patrice Lindsay 

Description: The importance and benefits of involving people with lived experience with stroke in research to enhance its robustness are well-documented. However, the extent of patient engagement varies across research programs. This session will provide investigators and patient partners with an overview of best practices for engaging patient partners and key considerations for integrating and operationalizing patient engagement at each stage of the research process.

NOVEL TECHNOLOGY TO MONITOR MOVEMENT

Speakers: Dr. Kit Beyer, Dr. Marika Demers

Moderator: Dr. Courtney Pollock 

Description: The keen eye of a skilled clinician can detect subtle abnormalities in movement through direct observation. Drs. Beyer and Demers will discuss advances in technology, such as wearable devices and markerless motion capture, and how they have revolutionized movement assessment. Wearable sensors provide insights into a stroke survivor’s activity levels outside of therapy, track repetitions during recovery, and even monitor sleep quality. Motion capture technology quantifies problematic movements in three dimensions, enabling clinicians to target specific areas for remediation.

LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS POST STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Sandra Billinger, Dr. Mark Boulos, Dr. Gregory Bix

Moderator: Dr. Mark Bayley 

Description: Quality sleep and regular exercise are cornerstones for stroke prevention and recovery. This session will present new findings on sleep and physical activity post-stroke, beginning with a preclinical lens by Dr. Bix building to studies in humans about sleep apnea and stroke by Dr. Boulos. The session will conclude with a presentation by Dr. Billinger on exercise and physical activity.

Speakers: TBC

Moderator: Dr. Patrice Lindsay and Dr. Michael Hill 

Description: Join us to honor the 2024 awardees of two prestigious stroke lecture awards. The Hnatyshyn Lecture celebrates a stroke researcher whose lifetime service has made a significant positive impact on stroke and brain health. The Nieboer Lecture recognizes an exceptional member of the stroke community who has been personally affected by stroke and has selflessly dedicated their experiences to helping others on similar journeys. These awards are selected by an evaluation committee consisting of members from Heart & Stroke, the CanStroke Recovery Trials Platform, the Canadian Stroke Consortium, and the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation.

NOVEL CLINICAL TRIALS METHODS & DESIGN

Speakers: Dr. Monica Taljaard, Dr. Ryan Zarychanski

Moderator: Dr. Bijoy Menon 

Description: Want to learn beyond the standard two-armed, double-blinded randomized controlled trials? This session will explore innovative clinical trial methodologies designed to optimize trial processes, enhancing both efficiency and patient access to novel treatments. Dr. Bijoy Menon, Lead PI of the ACT GLOBAL stroke trial platform, will lead the session. Dr. Zarychanski will discuss platform trials from an oncology perspective, and Dr. Taljaard will cover step-wedge and cluster randomized trials. This is a workshop so attendees are encouraged to bring questions for the experts on trial design.

VIRTUAL REALITY DEMONSTRATION

Speakers: Dr. Catherine Mercier

Description: Virtual reality (VR) isn’t just for gamers anymore and has applications far beyond gaming. This workshop will showcase VR in action, offering participants the opportunity to try simulations targeting activities of daily living and cognitive and upper limb rehabilitation.

MUSIC THERAPY FOR STROKE

Speakers: Dr. Stephanie Plamondon, Dr. Kara Patterson, Dr. Anna Zumbansen

Description: Join us for an interactive workshop on music therapy, which has been shown to improve hand dexterity, activities of daily living performance, mood, walking, and balance. Dr. Plamondon, Patterson and Zumbansen will provide insights on implementing music therapy from experienced practitioners.

Description: Join us for an engaging academic poster session at Congress, featuring a diverse array of research in stroke. This session will provide an excellent platform for researchers to present their latest findings and foster collaborative discussions. A moderated poster session, led by a distinguished researcher in the field, will highlight key studies and offer insights into emerging trends and innovative approaches. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for advancing stroke research.

BRAG ‘N STEAL PRESENTATIONS

Speakers: TBC

Moderators: Dr. Cary Fan and Ms. Andrea Pearce 

Description: Join us for the Brag & Steal session, where professionals and community partners share their most successful strategies and innovations in stroke care and research. This engaging session allows participants to “brag” about what’s working well for them, sharing practical ideas and solutions that others can “steal” and implement in their own settings. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from peers, gain new insights, and take home actionable ideas!

ORAL PRESENTATIONS #4

Speakers: TBC 

Moderator: Ms. Franziska Hildesheim

ORAL PRESENTATIONS #5

Speakers: TBC

Moderator: Dr. Ana Klahr 

Description: Join one of the enlightening concurrent sessions of oral presentations, featuring the top-ranked abstracts selected from a diverse array of submissions. Each session will showcase cutting-edge research and innovative findings across various aspects of stroke research and care. Presenters will share their groundbreaking work, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leading researchers and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the latest advancements in the field.

Speakers: Dr. Robert Teasell, Dr. Ada Tang, Dr. Amy Yu, Dr. Ana Klahr 

Moderator: TBC 

Description: Women experience stroke differently than men. This session will begin with Dr. Teasell reviewing women’s participation in clinical trials over the years. Dr. Tang will present novel methods to improve women’s participation in trials. Dr. Klahr will discuss female-specific aspects of stroke physiology, and Dr. Yu will conclude with an examination of sex differences in acute stroke care.

Dr. Sean Dukelow, Canadian Stroke Congress Co-Chair, CanStroke Platform Principal Investigator

Dr. Jodi Edwards, Canadian Stroke Congress Co-Chair, StrokeCog Platform Principal Investigator

Mr. Farrell Leibovitch, CanStroke & StrokeCog Platform Director

Description: In this concluding session, we will announce the winners of the oral and poster presentations from the Congress, followed by the final closing remarks.