Focus on Life After Stroke Recovery

On Tuesday 27th October 2026, Barcelona will host the first Catalan congress dedicated to stroke patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Organised by the Ictus Foundation, the event takes place at the ONCE Auditorium and coincides with World Stroke Day on 29th October. Under the slogan "Full life after a stroke. A long-distance race", the congress aims to spotlight the ongoing challenges faced after hospital discharge, including communication difficulties, emotional changes, and loss of autonomy. Dr. Esther Duarte, director of the Ictus Foundation and a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, stressed that recovery extends far beyond the hospital stay: "My care for stroke patients cannot end with hospital discharge. We must accompany people throughout the recovery process, respond to the needs that arise daily, and also recognize the role and needs of families and caregivers." The congress has drawn 300 registered participants and will serve as a platform for patients, families, and professionals to share experiences and identify unmet needs in post-stroke care.

Expert Sessions and Practical Workshops

The day begins with an institutional welcome and the reading of the Manifesto "All against Stroke", followed by a presentation from Dr. Pere Cardona, director of the Master Plan for Cardiovascular Diseases, on secondary stroke prevention. A panel discussion will feature Dr. Esther Duarte, Rosa Rubio (board member and patient), Marta Grau (secretary of the Patients' Council), and Cristina Cadevall (family caregiver and founder of Neura), focusing on gaps in current post-illness support. The academic programme includes sessions on:

  • Cognitive and emotional impairments, led by neuropsychologist Sònia Quiñones and patient Jesús Vallès
  • Communication difficulties, presented by speech therapist Sonia Nieto and patient Sofia Ferrao
  • Inclusion and community life, discussed by social educator Viviana Velasco and patient Marta Subirós

Practical workshops will run simultaneously, addressing:

  • Adapted feeding, led by Sílvia Miró, Ivonne Gual (speech therapist and dietitian), and chef Daniel Barrionuevo, focusing on safe food textures
  • Home accessibility, directed by occupational therapist Nohora Rueda, Independent Living Centre representatives Gabriel Liesa and Elodí Garnés, and patient Rafael Vallejo
  • Physical activity and mobility, facilitated by Dr. Roser Boza, physiotherapist Jordi Pujol, and patient Daniel Serra

Emotional Wellbeing and Prevention

The afternoon includes a session titled "Stop for a moment and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF", led by professionals from Qida and a family caregiver, focusing on caregiver wellbeing. Art therapy will be led by art therapist and patient Raquel Membrado, and music therapy by occupational therapist Jennifer Grau. The day closes with a presentation of conclusions and a performance by Canta Sant Pau, the Choir of Aphasia.

"To date, more than 600 people have already used this mobile unit to learn about their vascular risk and receive medical and pharmaceutical advice," said Dr. Esther Duarte.

As part of a wider prevention campaign, "My pharmacy, my health. All against stroke", promoted by the Ictus Foundation, the College of Pharmacists of Barcelona (COFB), and Sandoz with OMRON's collaboration, a mobile unit has been offering free blood pressure, arrhythmia, cholesterol, and glucose tests. The initiative underscores that up to 90% of strokes could be prevented by managing risk factors, with community pharmacies playing a key role in early detection and awareness.

Sources: Diari de la Discapacitat, news3edad.com.