NIDRR Grant Brings Total Amount for New Grants to >$2,500,000

July 23, 2009 - Improving New Learning and Memory in TBI: Applying fMRI to Measure Outcome

Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory receives 3-year NIDRR grant of $591,000 to investigate common cognitive deficits in traumatic brain injury.

The Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory, led by director Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, received another significant award valued at $591,000 over three years to investigate common cognitive deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This grant extends the current and ongoing NIDRR-funded clinical trial that is exploring how to remediate learning and memory. Individuals with TBI are randomly assigned to a memory retraining group or a placebo control group that engages in memory exercises. Outcome is being measured through: (1) paper and pencil tests of cognitive functioning and (2) questionnaires designed to examine the impact of the treatment on daily activities. While this study demonstrates potential benefits for impaired leaning and memory, the new NIDRR-funded grant will provide information on changes occurring in the brain following treatment. The impact of the behavioral intervention on cerebral activity will be examined using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), an innovative technology that provides detailed information on brain function. Kessler Foundation Research Center will apply its established expertise in fMRI to demonstrate that changes of the cerebral substrate follow the behavioral changes in learning and memory after memory retraining. Our research will determine whether improvement in learning and memory is associated with patterns of cerebral activity on fMRI. To meet these objectives, participants will receive pre and post-treatment fMRI evaluations, which will be correlated with behavioral performance. Also, participants will undergo a 6-month post-treatment fMRI to examine treatment effects over time, as well as the impact of "booster sessions". To advance the rehabilitative care of people with TBI, it is essential to analyze existing rehabilitation techniques, assess their validity, and provide justification to the consumer and practitioner. This Kessler Foundation Research Center study is designed to specifically address these issues.