BIV MAGAZINE
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BIV MAGAZINE: BC TECH ISSUE 2021 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER
AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION IN NEUROSCIENCE AND HEALTHCARE Surrey-based centre delivering cutting-edge clinical research and progress
SONIA BRODIE
The term ‘neuroplasticity,’ or the brain’s ability to adapt and change, has gained a lot of popularity recently, but it is still a relatively modern concept in the scientific and medical community. Only in the latter half of the past century have we understood that the adult brain can re-organize and rewire by growing new pathways and neural connections. Neuroplasticity plays a huge role in brain recovery, especially for patients who experience traumatic brain injuries, mental health conditions or have neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. With the understanding that every brain can change at any age with the right intervention, we can feel more optimistic about our ability to discover novel, evidence-based ways of stimulating the brain and promoting the rewiring of neural networks for positive, life-changing outcomes. These developments require innovative ideas, high-quality clinical research to validate potential treatments and early adopters in the medical community willing to implement them into clinical practice. I have had the privilege to work in the neuroscience industry in British Columbia for the past decade, and I have personally witnessed some of the amazing innovations that have been developed, tested and adopted into clinical use. B.C. is emerging as a world-class destination for clinical trials due to our collaborative approach, diverse population and thriving life sciences industry. In 2019, we established the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians specializing in brain health and recovery. Our approach to neuro-rehabilitation is to deliver high-quality, one-on-one treatment programs for our clients, paired with the most innovative, evidence-based technologies and therapies. The clinic recently launched a new program dedicated to mental health. It complements our physical and cognitive brain health services to provide a more holistic approach, which is timely — given the increase in mental health challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. Embedded within the clinic is the Centre for Neurology Studies (CNS), a boutique clinical research site providing professional consulting and study execution services to get important breakthroughs in healthcare one step closer to market. The CNS plays an integral role in transitioning breakthrough treatments and neuro-tech
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innovations from early-stage development to in-house clinical use by validating new healthcare technologies with clinical research studies. We are located within the Health and Technology District, with close proximity to Surrey Memorial Hospital, Fraser Health and advanced imaging and research labs, and with partners at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University onsite. This gives us the unique advantage of having a vibrant environment and extensive network of highly skilled people with brilliant new ideas at the forefront of innovation in neuroscience and healthcare. At the CNS, we are currently running clinical studies in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are also conducting research to investigate treatment options for the rising global issue of brain fog, or reduced mental acuity and cognition due to a number of factors like COVID-19, chemotherapy and brain injury. We recently partnered with the University of Victoria and a number of other organizations on a study to explore how the Dino Island therapeutic video game can improve attention, working memory and executive function in children with neurodevelopment disabilities. The CNS has also seen a growing interest in psychedelics as an adjunct to therapy for addictions, PTSD, improved cognition, mental health conditions and neuro-rehabilitation. It is inspiring to see the scientific and clinical interest in this promising field, and there is an undeniable need for high-quality clinical trials in this area to ensure safe and effective use. We know the brain can change at any stage of life, in response to injury, disease, experiences and learning. We are only just starting to realize the potential of what else we can be doing to leverage and positively enhance brain changes with exercise, diet, therapies, stimulation, pharmaceuticals or plant-based therapeutics. As our understanding of neuroplasticity improves, we can better leverage more cutting-edge neuro-technologies, therapeutics and lifestyle factors to help facilitate positive changes in our brains. This is a very exciting time to be working in the field of neuroplasticity. É Sonia Brodie is a neuroscientist, certified clinical research professional and long-standing brain enthusiast. She led the development of the Centre for Neurology Studies and the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic in Surrey’s Health and Technology District.
2021-11-02 3:59 PM
