Kessler Foundation scientists present cognitive research findings at European MS conference
2012-10-02 15:55:02 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drs. Sumowski, Leavitt and Strober discuss studies of cognitive reserve, outdoor temperature, and self-efficacy
October 2, 2012. West Orange, NJ. Researchers at Kessler Foundation are presenting new findings in multiple sclerosis (MS) research at The European Committee for the Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) conference at the Lyon Convention Center in Lyon, France, October 10-13. Research scientists James Sumowski, PhD, Lauren Strober, PhD, and Victoria Leavitt, PhD, will discuss their clinical studies of cognitive reserve, outdoor temperature effects and self-efficacy. ECTRIMS is an independent representative European-wide organization devoted to multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Sumowski will present collaborative research on cognitive reserve in MS with colleagues in Milan: Brain reserve and cognitive reserve in MS patients. Lifetime maximal brain size and early life cognitive leisure independently protect against disease-related cognitive decline; J.F. Sumowski, M.A. Rocca, V.M. Leavitt, G. Riccitelli, G. Comi, J. DeLuca, M. Filippi (West Orange, US; Milan, IT)
Dr. Leavitt will provide new insights into the negative impact of warmer outdoor temperatures on cognition in MS:Warmer outdoor temperature is associated with increased fMRI BOLD activation in multiple sclerosis. V. M. Leavitt, J. F. Sumowski, G. Wylie, N. Chiaravalloti, J. DeLuca
Dr. Strober will discuss the role of self-efficacy, a person’s belief in his or her ability to succeed, in overall health and quality of life of individuals with MS:Function is in the eye of self-efficacy. L. Strober, J. DeLuca, N. Chiaravalloti
Kessler Foundation conducts rehabilitation research in multiple sclerosis, stroke and brain injury, and spinal cord injury. John DeLuca, PhD, vice president of Research and Training at the Foundation, is an expert in the cognitive effects of brain injury and MS. He is the keynote speaker at the Dutch Society of Neurorehabilitation conference in Amsterdam. On October 4, Dr. DeLuca will address attendees on “Cognitive Fatigue: Behavioral and Neuroimaging Findings.”
Scientists at Kessler Foundation have faculty appointments in the department of physical medicine & rehabilitation at the University of Medicine & Dentistry-New Jersey Medical School.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a large public charity in the field of disability, conducts rehabilitation research and training in mobility and cognition that advances the care of people with multiple sclerosis, brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury. Kessler Foundation is one of six centers in the U.S. to have NIDRR-funded model systems for traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Through its program center, Kessler Foundation fosters new approaches to the persistently high rates of unemployment among people disabled by injury or disease. Targeted grant making funds promising programs across the nation. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, people recovering from catastrophic injuries and stroke, and young adults striving for independence are among the thousands of people finding jobs and training for careers as a result of the commitment of Kessler Foundation.
