Research to prevent, treat and beat stroke - 2021 strokefoundation.org.au
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Research to prevent,
treat and beat stroke
2021
strokefoundation.org.au
1
Message from the
Chief Executive Officer Over the past two decades high-
quality evidence based research
and Chair of the Research has led to new treatments and
Advisory Committee improved diagnosis for stroke.
Sharon McGowan
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer
Stroke can be prevented and treated. Research will
help us beat it.
Research is central to Stroke Foundation’s At each stage of our research
mission to prevent stroke, save lives and program, we listen, involve and
enhance recovery. We champion initiatives engage with members of our stroke
and support individuals with the potential for community, to ensure our research
significant impact in realising our vision for a priorities address the areas that matter
world free from disability and suffering caused most to them.
by stroke. As a small organisation with an
ambitious vision, we play a vital role at the Over the past two decades, high-quality
start of the research pipeline. evidence-based research has led to new
treatments and improved diagnosis for stroke.
With the generous support of our donors,
we provide seed funding to get projects We are proud to say many of these ground-
started by supporting early and mid-career breaking medical advances have been Australian
researchers to test their ideas. We partner led, thanks to the many donors who have
with other organisations and bring the generously supported the Research Program.
best minds together to tackle the toughest Studies highlighted in this publication including
research questions in stroke to maximise endovascular thrombectomy (clot retrieval),
our research impact. advanced imaging and the Mobile Stroke Unit,
have paved the way for improvements in stroke
At the centre of the Stroke Foundation treatment across the globe.
research program are those for whom these
questions matter most – the survivors of
stroke, their families and carers.
2
As a result of these breakthroughs, more Finding the right keys to unlock the door to brain
Australians are surviving stroke. Between 1980 recovery is the next frontier and this is why we
and 2018, overall death rates for stroke in Australia will continue to stand with our researchers, to
fell by three-quarters.1 However, the impact of help give our brightest minds the space, funds
stroke remains far-reaching and life changing and support they need to take the first steps
for many. towards this goal.
Globally, the incidence of stroke is increasing. Thanks to generous families our research
Now, one in four people will experience a stroke program has expanded in recent years with
in their lifetime2 and Australian evidence indicates three new dedicated endowment funds. These
that stroke among younger people is on the rise.3 endowment funds create new opportunities
Our risk of stroke increases as our population for targeted research.
ages and lifestyles become more sedentary.
We are on the cusp of some exciting
We also don’t know the long-term impact of the advancements, with governments recognising
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Evidence is the need and potential for breakthroughs in
emerging of the direct and indirect consequences stroke. In 2019 the Australian Government
of the pandemic, as well as opportunities to announced a $220 million 10-year, Medical
ensure lessons from the experience are maximised
to benefit health outcomes moving forward. This
Research Future Fund (MRFF) Cardiovascular
Health Mission to tackle heart disease and
With emergency stroke
includes investigating new approaches to disease stroke. Stroke Foundation’s Research Programs treatments significantly
will feed into and build on the Mission’s work.
improved, we must now
prevention, telehealth and tools for accelerating
the translation of research into practice. There is
also evidence from the United States and Europe
suggesting COVID-19 may be linked to an
We are ambitious and determined to continue
to improve the state of stroke. To invest in turn our attention to stroke
increase in stroke among younger people.4 people and projects with the capability to prevention and recovery.
reduce preventable stroke and transform
With acute stroke treatments significantly outcomes for the many thousands of There is still so much we don’t
improved, we must now turn our attention to
stroke prevention and recovery. There is still
Australians who experience stroke every year.
know about the brain and its
so much we don’t know about the brain and We invite you to stand with us. ability to recover from stroke.
its ability to recover from stroke. Each stroke
is unique to the person impacted and every
Professor Amanda Thrift
recovery journey is different.
Chair of the Research
We need to understand so much more about Sharon McGowan
Advisory Committee
Professor Amanda Thrift
how best to support survivors to recover well, Chief Executive Officer Chair of the Research
to return to work, to study and to live their lives. Stroke Foundation Advisory Committee
3
About Stroke Foundation’s
Research Program
Stroke Foundation champions research in stroke. To achieve this goal we:
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, almost
› Advocate for more funding for stroke research.
$5.3 million has been awarded to more than
200 researchers since the Research Program’s › Empower researchers and clinicians to explore
inception in 2008. their research questions, to test their concepts
and implement their innovative ideas.
Number of › Partner with like-minded organisations
Areas of study
grants awarded to further our mission and support
breakthroughs in stroke prevention,
Recovery 140
treatment and recovery.
Treatment 25
Prevention 2 History Over the last 20 years,
Secondary prevention 6 Research has been an integral part of
research in stroke has been
Stroke Foundation since it began in 1983. transformational. Not only do we
Young stroke 6
The organisation was originally known as the
now have more treatments to
Childhood stroke 4
Stroke Research Foundation. It later became the offer patients, but the evidence
Carers 3 Australian Stroke and Neurosciences Institute, gaps are closing with so many
with its dedicated research arm, the National
Future leaders 5 Stroke Research Institute. researchers from different
Fellowship 27 In 1996, stroke was identified as a priority area
disciplines focused on this field
of need and the organisation became known and passionate about making
Stroke Foundation’s Research Program aims to as Stroke Foundation. a difference.
support and translate high quality research into
changes in practice, policy and knowledge. Its Professor Dominique Cadilhac
outcomes will improve quality of life for people Cardiovascular Health Mission Expert Advisory
Panel Member and 2019 Stroke Foundation
with stroke, their families and carers.
President’s Achievement Award recipient
4
Living Guidelines
for Stroke Management
Living Stroke
Stroke Foundation is partnering with global
evidence translation experts Cochrane Australia
New evidence emerged that extended the
Guidelines Pilot
to deliver Australia's first pilot of living guidelines.
time-window for clot retrieval treatment for
Living guidelines accelerate the impact of
Project
some stroke patients from six hours to 24
investment in health and medical research hours. In the past it has taken several years
by rapidly translating findings into reliable,
to update guidelines but with the living
actionable guidance that can be used by health
approach, guidelines were drafted within
care professionals to deliver better care. First national living
weeks of new evidence being published and ›
Development and delivery of the Guidelines they were finalised and approved by the evidence-based guideline.
empowers patients to be actively involved NHMRC within months. This led to changes
in their own care by providing an accessible within the health system and more Australians › Over 90 content experts,
and single source of truth that can be used accessing life-changing stroke treatment.
to inform discussions. 28 survivors of stroke and
The project is supported by the Australian Professor Bruce Campbell carers involved.
Government’s MRFF. Stroke Foundation Clinical Council Chair
› Living mode since
November 2019.
› Around 400 abstracts
This innovative project has paved
the way for other conditions to screened monthly.
adopt a similar model,including
the National COVID-19 Clinical › >More than 130,000 page
Evidence Taskforce providing
views of the guidelines.
clinicians with up-to-date,
evidence-based guidance
in managing the coronavirus informme.org.au/guidelines
(COVID -19).
5
Endovascular thrombectomy It will help develop a global biotech industry Stroke Foundation’s Research Program
and enable the implementation of changes provided a solid foundation from which
Stroke Foundation was at the forefront in healthcare. to build these services.
of research into this procedure that has
changed the way stroke is treated nationally Expansion of telehealth services Stroke Foundation responded early in the
pandemic, bringing together the national
and internationally. in treatment and care of stroke and international stroke research community,
In 2012, Stroke Foundation provided an Early across Australia and compiling the best available evidence
Career Fellowship Grant to now Professor Bruce and guidance for delivering telehealth
Campbell. This grant, partnered with project The use of telehealth to overcome current in rehabilitation for Australian clinicians.
funding from the Heart Foundation, the National geographical barriers to stroke treatment Disseminated via the Stroke Foundation’s
Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and care is actively promoted by Stroke health professional online community InformMe
and The Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation Foundation. (www.informme.org.au), it has guided the care
supported the Endovascular Therapy for of thousands of Australians. This will be an
Ischaemic Stroke with Perfusion-Imaging Studies The COVID-19 pandemic extended this emerging area for investigation in years
(EXTEND-IA) study. They investigated the use of technology’s use from emergency treatment to come.
clot removal in stroke patients with large clots to rehabilitation.
coupled with clot dissolving treatment.
The results of this study changed clinical practice
in Australia and worldwide. It has provided a
foundation for future advancements including
extending stroke treatment time frames from
six hours to 24 hours in some patients.
Cardiovascular
Health Mission
Stroke Foundation was part of a major
advocacy effort which led to the Australian
Government’s 2019 announcement of a $220
million 10-year targeted Cardiovascular Health All rights reserved.
Mission. It is being delivered through the MRFF. ©2019. Used with
the permission
of Medtronic.
This dedicated research pool for cardiovascular
health is supporting Australian researchers to
make game-changing discoveries. Felix Schebeci, survivor of stroke.
6
Profile
Dr Andrew Bivard
University of Melbourne
2009 Fellowship, 2013 and 2014
Small Project Grant, 2016 Seed Grant
– Modafinil in Debilitating fatigue
After Stroke (MIDAS)
Dr Andrew Bivard has been awarded several
Stroke Foundation grants which served as solid
building blocks in his research career.
The most recent was in 2016, when Dr Bivard
received a $50,000 Seed Grant enabling a phase
2 single-site clinical trial aimed at alleviating
post-stroke fatigue (MIDAS), by using a common
drug to treat sleep disorders. The trial’s positive
results led to a substantial charitable donation
from the Greater Charitable Trust in Newcastle
and a $1 million NHMRC grant award in 2020 to
support a larger study.
This research has the potential to transform
the lives of thousands of people recovering
The funding was fantastic. This was my first clinical
from stroke, given up to 70 percent of survivors trial which provided a lot of broad experience which
experience fatigue not improved by any amount I have continued to leverage. This grant scheme is
of rest.
essential for building early career researchers.
Dr Andrew Bivard
7
Why we fund stroke research
Stroke is one of Australia’s greatest health NHMRC support for stroke research7
challenges. It changes lives in an instant and
its impact extends well beyond the individual
to families, the community, the health system $900,000,000
and economy.
Stroke has long been recognised as being among $800,000,000
Australia’s most costly disease groups.5 In 2020,
it is estimated the economic impact of stroke in
$700,000,000
Australia was $6.2 billion in direct financial costs
and a further $26.0 billion in lost wellbeing.6
$600,000,000
Despite the shocking statistics and devastating
impact of stroke on the Australian community,
stroke-related research continues to be $500,000,000
under-represented in funding support.
Stroke attacks the brain, the human control $400,000,000
centre. Research is the only way to unlock the
mysteries of the brain and take important steps
towards achieving breakthroughs in stroke $300,000,000
prevention, treatment and recovery that will
benefit generations to come. However, this
work takes time and a great deal of funding. $200,000,000
There is an opportunity to make a difference.
$100,000,000
Applications for Stroke Foundation research
grants are highly competitive, and many worthy
$0
projects cannot be funded due to the funds
available. Increased investment will result in 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
a greater number of worthwhile projects Total NHMRC funding Stroke funding Cancer funding
being funded.
8
Lived experience guides
the way
Lived experience of stroke is the cornerstone As a younger survivor of stroke, Meredith
of Stroke Foundation’s Research Program. felt strongly about helping others who
People living with stroke are uniquely placed may find themselves in a similar situation.
to help guide researchers in their direction Meredith has used her lived experience to
and study design. contribute to a number of research trials
and is now a Consumer Consultant on
The importance of lived experience, or the i-Rebound project and is a Consumer
consumer involvement and engagement, Representative on the Stroke Research
has been recognised nationally and Register – Hunter (University of Newcastle).
internationally, and is now required for
Australian Government funding. Through these roles, Meredith is thrilled to
be able to help shape the way researchers
Stroke Foundation plays an important role communicate with survivors of stroke with
in connecting those with lived experience compassion and by making information
directly with researchers. clear, accessible and timely to get the best
outcomes for all.
Meredith Burke
Meredith was 39 when stroke changed her life
in an instant.
At first Meredith tackled the physical impacts
of stroke, re-learning to walk and talk, but her
recovery journey did not end when she left Change can only happen when you have evidence
rehabilitation.
a concept works. Research is that crucial first step
Meredith suffered debilitating fatigue and to making changes that can improve lives.
sensory and cognitive issues that made
returning to her roles in vocational training Meredith Burke
and as a marriage celebrant too difficult. Survivor of stroke
It was not how Meredith anticipated her
life would be.
9
Partners in research
Stroke Foundation partners with like-minded The Royal Melbourne Hospital Results have also contributed to international
organisations and governments to maximise evidence supporting this innovative approach
its impact and achieve its goals. Research and Ambulance Victoria – for diagnosing and treating stroke.
Partnerships include: Stroke Ambulance
The Melbourne based Stroke Ambulance is
Australian Stroke Alliance Australia’s first Stroke Ambulance or Mobile being delivered in a partnership between
Stroke Unit (MSU) has paved the way for Stroke Foundation, the Victorian Government,
The Australian Stroke Alliance has its eyes on emergency stroke treatment. The Stroke Ambulance Victoria, Royal Melbourne Hospital
the skies and is developing brain scanners light Ambulance brings the emergency department (RMH), The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and
enough to travel in aircraft and road ambulances. to the patient. It has slashed treatment times, Mental Health, RMH Neurosciences Foundation
This study has the potential to radically transform improving outcomes for stroke in Melbourne and The University of Melbourne. It has also
access to early pre-hospital treatments and since it began operation in November 2017. secured funding support from the NHMRC.
dramatically improve stroke outcomes for people
with stroke in regional and rural areas who are The Stroke Ambulance is a purpose-built The Australian Paediatric Acute
Code Stroke (PACS) study
currently at a geographical disadvantage. Initial ambulance with onboard brain scanner and
research was funded by a $1 million grant as part staffed by a neurologist, nurse, radiographer
of the MRFF Frontiers Initiative. Further funding and two paramedics.
The Australian Paediatric Acute Code Stroke
support is being sought. (PACS) study will transform the care of children
The Alliance brings together more than 30 Stroke Ambulance treatment with stroke. Stroke Foundation has partnered
with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute,
leaders from key academic, health, consumer times are 74 minutes quicker major paediatric hospitals around Australia, and
and commercial agencies. It includes the than the average hospital families impacted by stroke, in this world first
University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne
Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, Royal Flying
treatment time nationally. research project. In this partnership we have
designed, developed and will evaluate diagnosis
Doctor Service, Council of Ambulance and treatment pathways for children with
Authorities, RMIT University, Stroke Foundation suspected stroke. The project aims to improve
and Neurosciences Victoria. Evidence from the Melbourne trial is being
survival outcomes and reduce potential lifelong
used by Stroke Foundation to advocate for
disability for these children.
the roll out of Stroke Ambulances nationally.
In November 2020 the New South Wales The study received $4 million through the
Government announced $10 million for MRFF Cardiovascular Health Mission in 2020.
its own MSU research pilot.
10Profile
Associate Professor He is the Australian Paediatric Acute Code
Stroke (PACS) study Chief Investigator, a
Mark Mackay Senior Neurologist at the Royal Children’s
Hospital Melbourne and a Clinician-Scientist
2013 Small Project Grant, Research Fellow at the Murdoch Children’s
Characterising brain behaviour Research Institute.
relationships in childhood stroke
using diffusion weighted magnetic Associate Professor Mackay is aiming to
transform the care of children with stroke by
resonance imaging dramatically decreasing time to diagnosis and
increasing the number of children receiving
2012 Small Project Grant, emergency stroke treatment.
Communication and swallowing
problems following childhood stroke
2009 Small Project Grant, Developing
strategies to decrease lag time to
diagnosis in paediatric stroke
Associate Professor Mark Mackay has
established himself as a key voice in
childhood stroke in Australia. His work
is changing the lives of our littlest
stroke survivors. I am proud to be involved in this research, which
Associate Professor Mackay received
has the potential to change the way stroke is treated
a number of grants through the Stroke in children nationally and internationally.
Foundation Research Program, helping
to build a strong research profile. Associate Professor Mark Mackay
11Stroke Foundation Research Program Grants
Stroke Foundation’s Research Program grants Areas of need are determined annually by Ms Brenda Booth OAM Survivor of stroke,
provide a platform for early and mid-career the organisation’s expert Research Advisory Consumer Representative and Registered Nurse.
researchers to expand their knowledge and Committee and the Stroke Foundation Consumer
drive improvements in stroke prevention, Council. Decisions are informed by evidence Dr Caleb Ferguson NHMRC Emerging
treatment and recovery. obtained through the Stroke Foundation’s Leadership Fellow & Heart Foundation
national audit program. Postdoctoral Fellow at the Western Sydney
Types of grants provided: Nursing & Midwifery Research Centre and
Seed and Endowment Grants are awarded annually. holds a conjoint appointment at Western
› Seed Grants: Grants of up to $70,000 for Sydney University and Western Sydney
pilot or feasibility studies informing larger, All applications undergo a competitive Local Health District.
nationally competitive grant submissions to assessment. They are scored and ranked
the NHMRC, MRFF and other granting bodies. by independent and external reviewers, Associate Professor Emma Power Speech
representing some of the leading minds Pathologist and academic at the University of
› Endowment: Delivered in the terms in stroke, with funding being awarded to Technology Sydney.
of the individual endowment agreement. the highest-ranking applications.
For example, may target specific topic Professor Ian Kneebone Optimising Mental
areas or career stage. Historically, Stroke Foundation has also offered Health and Well-being stream of NHMRC funded
Future Leader Grants and Small Project Grants. Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia.
› Targeted Government: Stroke Foundation
Associate Professor Nadine Andrew Senior
implements grants on behalf of governments 2021 Research Advisory Research Fellow with Peninsula Clinical School,
to address areas of need within stroke research.
Committee Monash University and an NHMRC Early
› Partnerships: Stroke Foundation regularly Career Fellow.
The Research Advisory Committee oversees
partners with a range of organisations to fund
Stroke Foundation’s Research Program. The Professor Mark Nelson Professor and Chair,
larger research projects and ground-breaking
Committee includes experienced researchers Discipline of General Practice, School of
initiatives in stroke. The multi-disciplinary
from across Australia who volunteer their time Medicine and Senior Member Menzies Institute
research projects are vitally important as they
to drive improvements in stroke understanding. for Medical Research, University of Tasmania,
significantly impact the direction and delivery
Hobart Australia.
of health care in Australia.
Professor Amanda Thrift (Chair)
Dr Eleanor Horton Carer representative and
Stroke Foundation focuses its research grants Epidemiologist, Head of Stroke and Ageing
Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine
on the areas of greatest need, ensuring any Research, and Senior Research Fellow,
Coast and Nursing Fellow at the Sunshine Coast
investment is maximised. Monash University.
Hospital and Health Service.
12Profile
Associate Professor
Judith Katzenellenbogen
University of Western Australia
2018 Stroke Foundation Seed Grant
Early process evaluation: Real-world
data to inform better implementation
of an Aboriginal stroke rehabilitation
trial.
Associate Professor Judith Katzenellenbogen
received grant funding to support an Australian
first trial, Healing Right Way. The trial aimed
to address the gap in service delivery for
Aboriginal people.
Associate Professor Katzenellenbogen’s focus
was on developing and implementing evaluation
methods for health interventions incorporating
a cultural protocol.
Stroke Foundation funding was a stepping stone The important thing about the evaluation is that we
to help Associate Professor Katzenellenbogen
broaden her research portfolio which covers are collecting and analysing data as we go, rather than
stroke, heart disease and Aboriginal health only using information looking backwards once the trial
generally. This important work has the potential
to improve recovery for thousands of Australians,
is finished. Ultimately we want patients and their
given Aboriginal people are 1.6 times as likely families to receive optimal care and support.
to be hospitalised with stroke and 1.3 times as
likely to die from stroke, than non-indigenous Associate Professor Judith Katzenellenbogen
Australians.8
13Endowment Grants
Stroke Foundation has welcomed the
addition of three endowment funds to its Nancy and Vic Allen
Research Grant Program in recent years. Stroke Prevention
Memorial Fund
These grants were established by generous
donations from families who have been Introduced for the first
personally impacted by stroke and have time in the 2021 Research
decided to leave a legacy to advance Grant round, this grant
stroke research. aims to stop stroke
before it happens. Valued at up to $100,000 over The first Nancy and Vic Allen
Endowment Grants are investments two years for researchers of any career stage, to Stroke Prevention Memorial
in dedicated areas of focus determined by further primary and secondary stroke prevention.
Fund recipient was Professor
donors in consultation with Stroke Foundation.
They are investments into research into specific The grant has been made possible through Coralie English from the
areas of stroke close to the families’ hearts. the generosity of the late Vic Allen, who was University of Newcastle. The
Public donations build on the initial endowment passionate about preventing stroke after Fund is supporting development
gift to enable future grants to be awarded. witnessing the devastating impact multiple of an online program to prevent
strokes had on his beloved wife Nancy. recurrent stroke and support
long-term health and wellbeing.
Vic envisioned a future where the tragedy
of stroke would be greatly reduced. The The “i-REBOUND” online
Fund encourages stroke prevention research resource will be designed in
combining best practice medical care, and partnership with survivors
evidence-based integrative care.
of stroke to make sure it is
We acknowledge with sincere appreciation accessible for all, including
Ava-May Morgan, retired Trustee of the people with aphasia. The
former Nancy & Vic Allen Stroke Prevention website will include resources
Fund, for her significant stewardship in such as exercise videos, menus
establishing this new Endowment Fund. and cooking demonstrations,
It will create a lasting legacy for Vic Allen’s featuring people with stroke.
vision for stroke prevention.
14Melbourne
researcher
Tim Glendinning Goals of the Fund: Karen
Memorial Fund for › Provide support and advice to young Borschmann
Young Adult Stroke adults with stroke and their families. and her
project
Introduced in 2018, the › Improve the environments in which young
team were awarded the first Tim
Tim Glendinning Memorial adults with stroke are provided care.
Glendinning Memorial Research
Fund supports young adults
affected by stroke. › Support research into undiagnosed Grant to identify current service
stroke causes. gaps and determine what was
Tim Glendinning sadly lost his life to stroke at the important to younger survivors
age of just 36. Tim had seven strokes in 17 years › Fight stigma that young adults may feel of stroke and their carers
– each one impacting his physical and mental after stroke. to help in their recovery.
health and quality of life.
Gavin Paul Bennier The Fund supports research focused on:
Memorial Research
› Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Fund
of CAA induced stroke in young people.
The Gavin Paul Bennier The Gavin Paul Bennier Memorial
Memorial Research Fund › Identifying a young person’s predisposition Research Grant was first awarded in
focuses on the rare brain disorder Cerebral to cerebral amyloid angiopathy and CAA 2019 to Professor Vincent Thijs from
Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA). induced stroke. The Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health.
This disorder causes bleeds on the brain and › Understanding factors and experiences
is more commonly associated with dementia common in young people pre-stroke, during
and older people. CAA caused Gavin to have treatment and post-stroke recovery.
several strokes and tragically led
› Facilitating the return to work of young
to his death in 2017.
people impacted by stroke.
15Profile Grants
Dr Barbara Wolfenden Targeted Government Grant –
2010 Honours Research Grant Return to Life, Return to Work
Research Assistant on Working age people impacted by stroke are set
Co-designing a health service model to benefit from research into innovative recovery
for the young stroke community, and rehabilitation clinical interventions.
funded by the Tim Glendinning Stroke Foundation is administering the “Return
Memorial Grant. to Life, Return to Work” research initiative after
receiving a $1 million dollar grant from the
Dr Wolfenden is a professional researcher Australian Government through the MRFF.
and a survivor of stroke. Dr Wolfenden’s own
experience with stroke has a strong influence on This work is critically important because Grant recipients:
her work and her desire to make life better for there is currently no health service or clinic
younger people with stroke and their families. specifically designed to cater exclusively to › Professor Natasha Lannin, Monash University
their needs, which include driving, working, The grant is funding a pilot project to test
Dr Wolfenden initially received a Stroke studying, forming life-long partnerships, the feasibility and potential benefit of building
Foundation Honours Research grant to pregnancy and parenting. on current clinical rehabilitation by adding
support her research into returning to work an embedded 12 week targeted vocational
and identity after stroke. Dr Wolfenden rehabilitation.
achieved First Class Honours and was offered
PhD candidacy and a government scholarship › Professor Vincent Thijs, The Florey Institute
which helped further her research career. I knew first-hand where some of the gaps of Neuroscience and Mental Health
lie. In order to shine a light on them and
Dr Wolfenden’s current work as a research contribute to influencing change, I needed
assistant has provided her with an opportunity to do the research and publish it, for the
to be a part of further research in the area of benefit of young survivors of stroke.
stroke in young adults.
Dr Barbara Wolfenden
16Profile
Professor Vincent Thijs
2019 Gavin Paul Bennier
Memorial Grant
2019 Return to Life, Return
to Work Grant
Professor Vincent Thijs received two major grants
in 2019, further enhancing his well-established
career as a neurologist and clinical researcher
in Australia and in Belgium.
Professor Thijs is passionate about providing
valuable insights into stroke prevention and acute
stroke treatment, with a particular interest in how
stroke care can be improved for younger people.
He is leading the way internationally by
investigating the prevalence of the rare brain
disorder Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
in young survivors of stroke.
Professor Thijs is also leading Australia’s first
multicentred clinical trial of Perispinal Etanercept International evidence shows incidence
in chronic stroke. Etanercept is a drug used of stroke among young people is increasing,
to relieve inflammation and pain and has the
potential to help some people with stroke so we must do more to ensure treatments
optimise their recovery. and supports are available for them.
Professor Vincent Thijs
17Stroke in Australia
A stroke occurs Around 80% of strokes Only 16% of people can
every recall two or more
19 minutes signs of stroke10
can be prevented 9
in Australia3
The economic cost
Stroke is on the rise in Stroke is a leading
of stroke exceeds
$6.2 billion annually
people aged 35 and $26 billion in lost
to 54 years3 wellbeing6 cause of disability6
18Conclusion
Every breakthrough in stroke prevention, Stroke Foundation’s Research Program
treatment and recovery begins with an idea. funds annual research grants to promote
That idea was sparked by a desire to improve stroke research capacity and generate
health outcomes in an area of need. new stroke knowledge. Since 2008, Stroke
Foundation has awarded more than $5 million
Stroke Foundation is committed to standing in research grants to more than 200 researchers.
with our clinicians, researchers and community
to help foster these ideas. These researchers have gone on to do amazing
things, and change stroke treatment and care
Stroke research is a core part of our mission to nationally and internationally. These researchers
prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. have saved and improved lives.
By supporting research, we are fostering the
current and next generation of leaders, who will
pave the way forward to the next innovation in
stroke prevention, treatment and care.
Research takes time and a great deal
of funding. With your help we will give
our leading minds the encouragement, time
and support to deliver the next breakthrough.
Sharon McGowan
Chief Executive Officer
Stroke Foundation
19process. Applications are reviewed and scored 2
Deloitte Access Economics – The economic impact of
by independent reviewers with funding being stroke in Australia, 2013.
3
Deloitte Access Economics – Stroke in Australia – No
awarded to the highest ranking applications. Postcode Untouched, 2014.
4
Linxin Li, Gabriel S Yiin, Olivia C Geraghty, Ursula G
References Schulz, Wilhelm Kuker, Ziyah Mehta, Peter M Rothwell,
on behalf of the Oxford Vascular Study; Incidence,
Grant application timeframes outcome, risk factors, and long-term prognosis of
1. cryptogenic
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2020. Australia’s health 2020: Australia’s health snapshots. Canberra: transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic
AIHW.
Typically, Stroke Foundation research grant stroke: a population-based study Lancet Neurol 2015;
2.
GBD 2016 Lifetime Risk of Stroke Collaborators, Feigin VL et al. 2018. Global, Regional, and Country-Specific
14: 903–13Lifetime Risks of Stroke, 1990
and 2016. New England Journal of timeframes are:
Medicine. 379(25):2429-2437. 5
www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants-funding/research-funding-
3.
Deloitte Access Economics. 2020. No postcode untouched, Stroke in Australia 2020. statistics-and-data - stroke statistics provided by NHMRC
› May/June – Grant round opens.
4.
Fifi JT, Mocco J. 2020. COVID-19 related stroke in young individuals. Lancet Neurology. 19(9):713-715.6www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants-funding/research-funding-
5. August
Australian Institute of Health and›Welfare, – Grant
Disease applications
Expenditure close.
in Australia (13th June 2019). Availablestatistics-and-data
at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/
7
Deloitte Access Economics – Impact of stroke across
reports/health-welfare-expenditure/disease-expenditure-australia/contents/australian-burden-of-disease-groups.
› December – Grants awarded. Australia, 2014.
6.
Deloitte Access Economics. 2020. The economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020.
7.
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2020). Research funding statistics and data.
Email research@strokefoundation.org.au
8.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2020. Australia’s health 2020: in brief. Australia’s health series no. 17 Cat. no. AUS 232. Canberra:
AIHW.
9.
O’Donnell et al, 2016 ‘Global and regional effects of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with acute stroke in 32 countries
[INTERSTROKE]: a case-control study’, Lancet: 388: 761-75.
10.
Spicer, David, ‘Stroke Foundation. 2020 National Survey Report.’, Colmar Brunton, 17 September 2020.
How to get more involved Contact us
Give time – become a volunteer. 1300 194 196
Raise funds – donate or hold a fundraising event. strokefoundation.org.au
Speak up – join our advocacy team. /strokefoundation
Leave a lasting legacy – include a gift in your Will. @strokefdn
NSF1459_11/16
Know your numbers – check your health regularly. @strokefdn
Stay informed – keep up-to-date and share our message.
Stroke Foundation | 1300 194 196 | strokefoundation.org.au
SF612_0321
National Office: Level 7, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Stroke
We also have offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Foundation
Hobart. Research 25
ABN 42 006 173 379
20You can also read
