Recovery research boost

Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1 million research boost to support new, innovative and cutting edge treatment options to aid stroke recovery. 

The Return to Life, Return to Work research package has the potential to provide new medicines to working-age Australians impacted by stroke.  

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded the Federal Government for investing the future of Australia’s younger stroke survivors.  

“Around 142,500 Australian stroke survivors are of working age. International evidence shows incidence of stroke among young people is increasing, so we must do more to ensure tailored services and supports are available,” Ms McGowan said. 

“Stroke strikes the brain and can leave a lasting impact on independence, family life, finances and careers – particularly for those in their 20s to 50s.  

“While advancements in acute stroke treatment mean more Australians are surviving than ever before, recovery can be a long and challenging journey physically, cognitively and mentally.  

“This funding package has the potential to provide break-through treatments to those suffering from the impact of stroke allowing them to optimise their recovery and return to the things in life which fulfill them most,” she said. 

The Return to Life, Return to Work research package has been funded by the Federal Government through the Medical Research Future Fund. Funding will be provided over three years. The research package includes Australia’s first multicentered clinical trial of Perispinal Entanercept in chronic stroke.  

Applications for the research package are now open. Details including grant requirements and application forms can be found here. 

This funding builds on the $1.5 million announced by Minister for Health the Hon Greg Hunt in August to allow the Stroke Foundation and Cochrane Australia to provide health professionals with the latest clinical guidelines and real-time research findings, to give stroke patients the best chance for survival. 

Stroke Facts 

• One stroke every nine minutes in Australia.

• Estimated 142,500 (30 percent of 475,000) Australian stroke survivors of working age.

• 20 strokes a day impacting Australians of working-age.

• International evidence indicates stroke among younger people is on the increase in large part due to lifestyle factors.

• More than $972 million in lost earnings caused by reduced unemployment due to stroke in working age Australians.