Prague, 10-11 March 2025
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia is once again a participant in the largest event for stroke survivors - the European Forum for Life After Stroke. This year, the event takes place in Prague from 10 to 11 March. In these two days, the program is very intense, trying to exchange as much information, good practices as we can and create new acquaintances and friendships in the short time we have.
The opening of the forum began with an address by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Fiala, who expressed his unequivocal support for stroke survivors with the words: "Life after a stroke cannot but be supported!" Geographically, these centers cover the territory of the country. In terms of achievements in the treatment of stroke in its acute phase, the host country of the forum shows excellent results both in terms of widespread and practiced thrombolysis and in terms of endovascular recanalization. About 20,000 new stroke cases are registered annually in the country, with a population of more than 11 million. Those living after a stroke are estimated at approximately 200,000.
The participants in the forum had the unique opportunity to meet Karolina and Katerina, who talked about what a stroke looks like at the age of 20. From the perspective of an injured girl and her friend who supported her throughout the recovery journey, they shared interesting insights. One of them is that a person can realize how much the brain is connected to our body and how we constantly ignore this barely in a difficult life situation. One of the most motivating thoughts was: "Every step, even the smallest or the slowest walk, moves you towards the goal!"
On the first day, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the diversity of life after a stroke, with a focus on exploring good experiences in terms of stroke victims' motivation. The program included numerous lectures and seminars that covered topics such as physical rehabilitation, psychological support and social integration of stroke survivors. Specialists from different countries shared their methods and approaches to improve the quality of life of patients.
The people who attended the forum had the opportunity to participate in practical workshops that demonstrated innovative rehabilitation techniques and provided an opportunity for exchange of experience between professionals in the field. New technologies and devices were also introduced that facilitate the recovery process and help stroke survivors lead more independent lives.
On the second day of the event, discussion panels were organized in which participants could ask questions and receive answers from leading experts in the field of stroke. The topics of the discussions ranged from new medical discoveries and therapies to social policies and support for stroke survivors and their families.
One of the main highlights of the forum was the presentation of new scientific studies that show significant achievements in the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke. Researchers from various universities and medical centers presented their findings and discussed the possibilities of applying these new methods in practice.
Along with the professional activities, the forum also provided opportunities for social events and informal meetings, which facilitated the creation of new contacts and friendships between the participants. The evenings were filled with cultural events that included musical performances, theatrical performances and exhibitions of art created by stroke survivors.
The closing of the forum ended with a summary of the results achieved and planning of future initiatives and collaborations between the different organizations and institutions participating in the event. Emphasis was placed on the importance of continuing efforts to improve the quality of life of stroke survivors and the need for greater public support and understanding for them.
The forum in Prague showed that when people join forces and share their experience and knowledge, they can achieve significant success in the fight against stroke and in supporting survivors. The Stroke and Aphasia Association is proud to be part of this significant event and will continue to work towards its goals and mission to support people affected by stroke.