Renowned Cognitive Scientist at Kessler Foundation Inducted into the 2017 National MS Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame
East Hanover, NJ – November 22, 2017 – John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation, has been selected as a 2017 National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame award recipient. Dr. DeLuca is recognized for his leadership as a MS Society Volunteer and outstanding contributions to advancing research in the understanding and clinical treatment of cognitive impairments in MS.
Cognitive changes, such as informational processing, memory and attention deficits, are common symptoms of MS; affecting quality of life, relationships, adherence to disease modifying therapies, self-care and employment status. Groundbreaking memory research by Kessler Foundation scientists has led to the development of an effective treatment for memory retraining, the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT). The low-cost, noninvasive cognitive intervention uses learning and memory techniques to improve short-term memory in people with MS and traumatic brain injury. The treatment is currently used in eight countries, as well as in centers throughout the U.S., and has been translated into Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.
“This award recognizes the innovative approaches the Kessler Foundation team has taken to lessen the effects of MS on cognitive performance,” remarked Dr. DeLuca. “The goal of our research is to accelerate breakthroughs so that people with MS will have improved quality of life and remain active within their community, workplace, and at home. This recognition will help us in our continued pursuit of improving outcomes in persons with MS.”
Dr. DeLuca accepted the award at the National MS Society’s annual Leadership Conference held in Denver, Colorado. The National MS Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly improved issues related to quality of care, access to care, quality of life and long-term care options for people with MS. Since 1997, the National MS Society has recognized approximately 500 volunteers with induction to the Volunteer Hall of Fame.
About Dr. John DeLuca
John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president for Research and Training, oversees Kessler Foundation’s renowned rehabilitation research in MS, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other disabling conditions. The author of more than 300 articles, books, and chapters, Dr. DeLuca has received numerous awards for his research, including early career awards from the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and a mid-career award from the International Neuropsychological Society, where he now serves on the board. He is a professor in the Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and neuropsychology consultant to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League and the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team.
About MS Research at Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation's cognitive rehabilitation research in MS is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, National MS Society, Consortium of MS Centers, the Patterson Trust, Biogen Idec, Hearst Foundations, the International Progressive MS Alliance, and Kessler Foundation. Under the leadership of John DeLuca, PhD, senior VP for Research & Training, and Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director of Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, scientists have made important contributions to the knowledge of cognitive decline in MS and developed new treatments. Clinical studies span new learning, memory, executive function, attention and processing speed, cognitive reserve, emotional processing, employment and cognitive fatigue. Research tools include innovative applications of neuroimaging, mobile devices, and virtual reality. Neuroimaging studies are conducted at the research-dedicated Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation. Kessler researchers and clinicians have faculty appointments in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. Learn more by visiting www.KesslerFoundation.org.
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Contacts
Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; [email protected]
Laura Viglione, MS; 973-323-3675; [email protected]
