Kessler Foundation scientists present cognitive research findings at MS symposium in San Diego
2012-05-21 15:59:43 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drs. John DeLuca, Nancy Chiaravalloti and Yael Goverover are addressing the Fourth Cooperative Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research (ACTRIMS)
May 21, 2012. West Orange, NJ. Scientists at Kessler Foundation are presenting findings of recent cognitive research studies in multiple sclerosis at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, CA, May 30-June2, 2012. Drs. John DeLuca, Nancy Chiaravalloti and Yael Goverover are addressing the Fourth Cooperative Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research (ACTRIMS). This 26th Annual Meeting of the CMSC and 17th Annual Meeting of ACTRIMS are the signature, educational events for each organization.
Cognitive impairment is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), experienced by up to two-thirds of patients. Cognitive impairments have been described by patients as one of the most debilitating symptoms of the disease, significantly affecting everyday life functional activities such as vocational, family, and social functioning. Despite this knowledge, relatively little research has been conducted in cognitive functioning in persons with MS.
John DeLuca, PhD, VP of Research & Training chairs Workshop 6: Cognitive Rehabilitation in MS. Dr. DeLuca discusses assessment of cognitive problems and introduces common evidence-based techniques for improving cognitive functioning in persons with MS. Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director of Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, presents two recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized control trials of behavioral interventions designed to specifically improve learning and memory in persons with MS. Yael Goverover, PhD, OT, focuses on techniques to improve learning and memory, with a specific emphasis on improving everyday functional activity. Dr. Goverover, visiting scientist from New York University, is a former fellow at Kessler Foundation.
Dr. DeLuca is also co-author of a poster: Rudell E, Peterson P, Zhang, JY, DeLuca J. Cognitive dysfunction in MS: Education translates science into practice.
Drs. DeLuca and Chiaravalloti have faculty appointments at the University of Medicine & Dentistry in New Jersey.
About MS Research at Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation’s cognitive rehabilitation research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National MS Society and Kessler Foundation. Scientists in Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation have made important contributions to the knowledge of cognitive decline in MS. A recent study documented a correlation between cognitive performance and outdoor temperatures in individuals with MS. Another finding was that short-term cognitive rehabilitation using of modified story technique improved memory in people with MS; moreover, the improvements in cognitive assessment correlated with changes on fMRI. Cognitive reserve was the topic of a 2010 paper that reported that an intellectually challenging lifestyle protected against cognitive decline in MS.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a large public charity in the field of disability, conducts rehabilitation research 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. Kessler Foundation Program Center 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.
Contact: Carolann Murphy, PA; 973.324.8382; [email protected]
Lauren Scrivo; 973-324-8384; [email protected]
