Welcome to another episode of the Stroke Busters Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to stroke, research, community, and academia. I'm your host, Amy Quinn, Communications Director for the UTHealth Houston  Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.

Today’s episode is part 1 of our Yatsu Day Series, bringing you an inside peek at the speakers who will be presenting at the 14th Annual Yatsu Day Symposium, presented by the Stroke Institute, here in Houston, TX on November 10, 2023. 

The theme for the 2023 symposium is “Nurturing Brain Health and Preventing Stroke” The event will help increase physicians' and trainees' knowledge in lifestyle modifications, mental well-being, and brain health education for patients. Topics include nurturing brain health, preventing stroke and dementia, risk predictions for stroke, identifying stroke risk using artificial intelligence, cognitive testing, sleep and brain health, and more. 

This program is accredited for CME and CNEs, catering to a diverse spectrum of healthcare professionals. It is designed to benefit physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare providers who work closely with individuals affected by stroke and dementia. Additionally, it is valuable for those who have an interest in brain health, health promotion, and stroke prevention.

Local speakers and interactive sessions leaders from UTHealth-Houston and Memorial Hermann include James Grotta, MD Myriam Fornage PhD, Xiaoqian Jiang, PhD, Anjail Z. Sharrief, MD, MPH, Heather Smith MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, Kendra M. Anderson, PhD, and Seema Aggarwal, APRN, PhD.

And you can also anticipate insights from globally recognized experts in the field of stroke care; Vladimir Hachinski, MD, DSc, who will be our guest for today’s show!

He is an eminent figure in the world of cerebrovascular diseases and stroke research, with over five decades of experience and a treasure trove of knowledge, we are thrilled to have him on the show.

As an added bonus, Dr. James Grotta, whom we have met many times before, was gracious enough to sit with us to ask Dr. Hachinski some questions about his involvement in Yatsu Day. 

So let’s get to it! Enjoy, and if you are interested in attending Yatsu Day, visit uth.edu/stroke-institute/events/yatsu-day
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Dr. Vladimir Hachinski is a distinguished scientist, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions in the field of cerebrovascular diseases and stroke research.

One of Dr. Hachinski's most remarkable achievements was co-founding the world's first successful acute stroke unit, which has since become the gold standard of care for stroke patients.

Notably, Dr. Hachinski is the author, co-author, or editor of 17 books, including "Stroke: A Comprehensive Guide to Brain Attack," co-authored with his daughter, Larissa Hachinski.

Currently, Dr. Hachinski is spearheading the Dementia Prevention Initiative: Advancing Population Prevention Solutions (APPS). This initiative aims to uncover the factors that contribute to the prevention of certain dementias. Dr. Hachinski's research has demonstrated a 32% reduction in stroke incidence and a 7% decline in dementia occurrence due to the successful implementation of an Ontario Stroke Strategy.

His work highlights the interconnectedness of stroke, heart disease, and dementia, sharing common risk and protective factors.

Dr. Hachinski's accolades include prestigious awards such as the Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick's, Alzheimer's, and Related Diseases, the World Federation of Neurology Medal for Services to World Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology Wartenberg Lecture & Award, and many others.

His unwavering commitment to advancing brain health, preventing stroke and dementia, and reshaping the field of cerebrovascular research continues to inspire the medical community and offer hope to individuals affected by these conditions.