Grant: Operating Grant

Worldwide, one in six older adults suffers a stroke and doubles one's risk of dementia. In fact, cerebrovascular disease - such as stroke - is the second most common cause of dementia. However, current stroke rehabilitation does not adequately deal with the cognitive consequences of stroke (e.g., memory disorders, impaired reasoning) - especially for those who are in the chronic phase (i.e., at least 12 months has passed since their stroke). Exercise training is a promising strategy to promote cognitive function. However, there is insufficient quality evidence for stroke survivors. Furthermore, stroke survivors often have physical impairments that significantly limit their ability to exercise. We propose that participating in intellectual and social activities, such as playing bridge, is an alternative and effective treatment to exercise training for promoting cognitive function in stroke survivors. It is an attractive alternative as its participation is less physically demanding. The proposed study aims to determine the effect of two distinct treatments - 1) an exercise training program and 2) a cognitive and social enrichment program - on cognitive function in adults who have had a stroke at least 12 months ago. Whether the cognitive benefits of the exercise training program or the cognitive and social enrichment program are retained six months following the cessation of the programs will also be evaluated. The proposed research is timely as there is an urgent need to reduce the burden of cognitive impairment and dementia in our aging population. Critically, if the onset and progression of dementia could be delayed by a modest one year, there will be nearly 9.2 million fewer cases of dementia in 2050. For the individual affected by stroke, reducing the severity of their cognitive deficits could promote functional independence and quality of life. This, in turn, could lead to reduced health care.