CORTEX at the UWI SODECO Clinical Centre

The UWI SODECO Clinical Centre is preparing to introduce CORTEX, an innovative clinical and research programme focused on improving brain and body health through comprehensive, individualised care.

Expected to begin in January 2027, CORTEX will bring together clinical evaluation, vascular risk-factor management, neurorehabilitation, exercise and nutrition to support individuals who may be at increased risk of stroke, have experienced a stroke, or have cognitive concerns associated with vascular risk factors.

Meet the CORTEX team. From left: Professor Terrence Forrester, Professor Charlene Macko, Professor Richard Macko and Dr. Marie Williams.

Who Can Benefit from CORTEX?

The programme will focus on three key groups:

1. Persons with stroke with residual mild to moderate weakness.

2. Persons with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity who are at risk for a stroke, or who have had a minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

3. Persons with vascular risk factors who have cognitive complaints.

These groups represent individuals for whom early assessment, targeted intervention and ongoing management may play an important role in protecting brain health and improving overall health and function.

A participant completes treadmill-based exercise using a safety harness during a clinical rehabilitation session.

Clinical Care Meets Research

As both a clinical and research programme, CORTEX will contribute to the growing effort to understand and improve approaches to brain health, stroke prevention and recovery. Its multidisciplinary approach reflects the importance of looking beyond a single condition and considering the interconnected factors that influence an individual's health and quality of life.

Through individualised assessment and care, the programme aims to provide patients with targeted strategies that address their specific needs and risk factors.

Supervised treadmill exercise can form part of a structured rehabilitation approach to support mobility, function and overall health.

Coming January 2027

CORTEX is expected to launch at the UWI SODECO Clinical Centre in January 2027.

More information about the programme, eligibility, services and how to access CORTEX will be available on the UWI SODECO website as the launch approaches.

Stay tuned for more information.