Professor Wardlaw is an expert in brain scanning and her internationally recognised research focuses on trying to prevent , diagnose and treat stroke more effectively . This includes a recent trial , funded by British Heart Foundation , which found that lacunar strokes could be treated for the first time by repurposing two existing drugs that are already being used to treat other conditions . These findings are a vital step closer towards improving the lives of the more than 25,000 individuals a year affected by this form of stroke , in the UK alone .
This invaluable research provides a ray of hope to not only them , but their nearest and dearest too – as it strives to keep precious thoughts and memories alive .
Slowing the tide is just the beginning
The trial , led by the Universities of Edinburgh and Nottingham , involved 363 people who had experienced a lacunar stroke . As well as their standard stroke prevention treatment , for one year participants took either isosorbide mononitrate or cilostazol individually , both drugs together , or neither .
A year after the trial , participants that took both drugs were nearly 20 % less likely to have problems with their thinking and memory compared to the group that did not take either drug . If these findings aren ’ t powerful enough , it was also found that these participants were also more independent and reported a better quality of life . Researchers hope that if the results are confirmed in further trials , the two drugs could be available as a treatment for lacunar strokes within five years .
These findings may help far beyond treatment , as Professor Wardlaw says there ’ s a chance that further research could indicate the drugs ’ usefulness in prevention too .
Let your legacy change the course of history for the better
Gifts in Wills from our donors fund over half of the research supported by BHF , research that has helped lower UK death rates from heart and circulatory diseases by 75 % since the charity ’ s inception in the 1960s . Your contribution can be a part of something huge , leaving a legacy that will be an essential cog in the wheel of fighting conditions like lacunar strokes and vascular dementia .
Together , we can fuel visionary research that will bring hope to future generations and keep memories alive .*
Once your loved ones are taken care of , you could leave a gift too . It ’ s a quiet act that makes the biggest difference .
* The research referenced was also supported by the UK Dementia Research Institute .
If you ’ d like to leave a gift that could save lives , go to bhf . org . uk / mylegacy
“ If it works in people who have had symptoms , it seems plausible it could work in people who haven ’ t had symptoms but are at high risk , perhaps due to family history ,” says Professor Wardlaw . “ It might be that you could use it as a treatment for people who haven ’ t had a stroke yet .”
This major step forward is only the beginning and with your help – the best is yet to come .
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