Dr. Sarah Kraeutner want to put stroke recovery into the hands—and minds—of survivors.
An Assistant Professor of Psychology and member of the DMCBH, Dr. Kraeutner researches novel approaches to stroke recovery and research through her Neuroplasticity, Imagery and Motor Behaviour Lab (NIMBL) at UBC Okanagan.
“The brain’s capacity to evolve and adjust—its neuroplasticity—is fascinating,” Dr. Kraeutner says. “Consistent mental and physical exercises encourage change in the brain. Essentially, the potential to reshape your brain, either positively or negatively, lies in your hands.”
This is especially important as it relates to stroke recovery. As health care improves and research evolves in Canada, so do the outcomes following a stroke. According to Government of Canada statistics, the mortality rate from stroke was 38 per 1,000 in 2002/03 but declined to 28.1 a decade later.
Further, more than two-thirds of survivors likely have some lasting disability.
