Episodes

  • Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/MileStones-Winter%202024_2025-Transcription.pdf

    In this fascinating episode, Carly Wender, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, shares her groundbreaking research that combines cycling with virtual reality technology to boost cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis. She answers the question: How does aerobic exercise promote neurogenesis and offer new hope for those facing mobility challenges?

    The episode also features an inspiring conversation with Valerie Bowen-Towns, who shares her transformative journey from MS diagnosis to finding renewed purpose through adaptive exercise. Her story showcases how participating in innovative therapies and technology has helped her maintain independence and quality of life.

    Tune in to hear how virtual reality and exercise are changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.

    Key Takeaways:
    The combination of cycling and virtual reality is being used as a tool to enhance cognitive function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, showcasing innovative approaches to rehabilitation.

    Aerobic exercise is linked to neurogenesis, suggesting that physical activity can promote brain health and cognitive improvement in those with mobility challenges.

    Personal resilience and adaptive exercise can significantly transform the lives of individuals with MS, shifting their focus from despair to hope and independence.

    Article Timestamps:

    Introduction - 0:00 - 0:28
    The Cycling Issue - 0:30 - 1:04
    Exercising the brain by Dr. Carly Wender - 1:05 - 2:01
    6 tips to exercise safely - 2:02 - 2:58
    Two studies, one goal - 2:59 - 3:53 (3:10 - 3:22 audio quote from Dr. Wender)
    Researcher spotlight - 3:54 - 4:30
    In person: Finding hope and confidence: Valerie Bowen-Townes - 4:31 - 5:13
    Your help wanted! - 5:14 - 7:42
    End - 7:43- 8:09

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    Read this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/milestones-winter-2024-2025

    Missed a newsletter, check out our Mile Stones archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-kessler-views-block-multiple-sclerosis-newsletter-block-1-2

    Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

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    Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
     
    These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to [email protected]

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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded in May 2024 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Read the transcription - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/When%20a%20brain%20injury%20disrupts%20your%20sleep-Transcription.pdf

    In people with traumatic brain injury, disruptions to sleep are pervasive, affecting 50% to 70% of people and manifesting as difficulties in falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings. The repercussions of inadequate sleep can encompass daytime fatigue, cognitive challenges, emotional instability, and even heightened vulnerability to depression and strained relationships. After TBI, insomnia often persists as a prevalent sleep problem, impacting peoples' overall well-being. Research conducted by scientists at Kessler Foundation underscored the enduring nature of post-TBI insomnia, with 60% experiencing improvements while 40% continued to grapple with sleep disturbances, resulting in heightened fatigue, depression, and hindered daily activities. Notably, the study revealed the significance of good sleep hygiene in mitigating these challenges and highlighted the underutilization of non-medication treatments for post-TBI insomnia, suggesting an imperative for alternative treatment approaches.

    This research emphasizes the prolonged influence of sleep complications following a brain injury on mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective, medication-free treatment options. It advocates seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, including doctors and sleep specialists, while promoting the significance of upholding a healthy sleep-wake cycle through adherence to good sleep hygiene practices. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity for further exploration of non-medication treatments and alternative strategies to address post-TBI insomnia, shedding light on the critical role of comprehensive, holistic care in supporting peoples' recovery and well-being.

    Article Timestamps:

    Introduction - 0:00 - 0:28
    When a brain injury disrupts your sleep… - 0:29 - 1:17
    What does the research tell us - 1:17 - 2:00
    Who did the study look at? - 2:00 - 2:34
    Why is this study important - 2:35 - 2:52
    What can you do? - 2:53 - 3:05
    Learn more about this research - 3:06

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    Read this summary at https://kesslerfoundation.org/when-brain-injury-disrupt-sleep

    Missed a summary, check out our Real-Life Science archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-consumer-friendly-tbi-study-summaries

    Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

    =========================================================
    Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
     
    These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to [email protected]

    =========================================================
    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded in May 2024 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

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  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/FALL-2024-BrainStorm_Recycling%20Pain_Pain%20to%20Purpose-LukeBohnenberger-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Facing a mere five percent chance of survival after a devastating highway accident, Luke Bohnenberger's story is a powerful testament to human resilience. After being ejected from a vehicle, Luke underwent a critical craniotomy that would change his life forever.

    In "Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose" Luke shares how he transformed his traumatic brain injury experience into a mission to help others. Despite battling uncontrollable rage, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of his former identity, he discovered that rock bottom could become a foundation for something greater.

    Key highlights:
    Survived against 5% odds after a critical accident
    Navigated through emotional trauma and recovery
    Founded Vision to Victory coaching program
    Emphasizes turning pain into purpose
    Advocates for sharing experiences to help others heal


    The presentation, part of the quarterly virtual speaker Brainstorm series, is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. It was recorded on Friday, November 13, 2024.

    View more Brainstorm speaker series videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50

    Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

  • In this podcast, Dr. Kyla Pearce from Love Your Brain shares her expertise in delivering holistic health programs for the brain injury community, focusing on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and community-building practices that enhance mental, physical, and social well-being. She highlights exciting research findings showing that mind-body practices can significantly improve cognitive function and mental health in individuals with brain injuries, addressing issues such as cognitive fatigue, depression, pain, sleep, emotional regulation, and resilience. She underscores the importance of adopting these approaches to meet the unique needs of people with brain injuries who often experience challenges like dizziness, balance issues, and co-occurring PTSD. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes that fostering this mind-body connection can support healing and resilience during the brain injury recovery process.

    For more information, visit:
    Love Your Brain: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/
    Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded on September 24, 2024, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • In this podcast, Irene Ward, PT, DPT, and Kayla Kautz, PT, neurological physical therapy experts, discuss how healthcare professionals can support individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by helping them access resources that encourage physical activity to improve health, fitness, and overall well-being. They address common barriers after TBI, such as limited accessibility, transportation, cost, and cognitive challenges, and stress the importance of communication, identifying individual needs, and finding creative solutions for staying active. The speakers suggest setting specific goals and using community support groups as strategies to overcome obstacles and highlight several fitness programs in New Jersey tailored for individuals with neurological conditions.

    To learn more, visit:
    Irene Ward, PT, DPT, clinical research coordinator for the Brain Injury Program at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation https://www.neuropt.org/about-us/leadership

    Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

    Health promotion and wellness resource for clinicians and individuals with TBI: 
    https://www.neuropt.org/practice-resources/health-promotion-and-wellness

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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded on September 24, 2024, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • In this podcast, Erica Weber, PhD, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, assembled a panel of experts to share their experiences, insights, and advice to help individuals navigate the complex issues they may encounter following a brain injury or neurological condition. The speakers emphasize the need for individuals and families to educate themselves on community resources and comprehensive planning options to ensure they can access the support they need to live fulfilling lives. The panelists include Adria DeSimone, a vocational counselor at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Christine Chickadel, a New Jersey ABLE Program Representative, and Ellen Nalvin, the executive director of the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey.

    For more information, visit:
    Erica Weber, PhD: https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber

    Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

    New Jersey ABLE Alliance: https://savewithable.com/nj/home.html
    Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey: https://plannj.org/

    Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation: https://www.kessler-rehab.com/about-us/

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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded on September 24, 2024, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/traumedy-how-i-turned-my-brain-injury-into-a-punch-line-with-mimi-hayes-transcript.pdf

    Mimi Hayes, a comedian and author, shares her inspiring story of turning a traumatic brain injury at age 22 into comedic material. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she found humor in her experiences, using stand-up comedy to process her trauma and connect with audiences. Despite facing challenges like sensitivity to sound and light, she pursued her passions; writing a book and doing stand-up comedy. Through her honest and relatable storytelling, Mimi demonstrates how laughter and a positive mindset can be powerful tools for overcoming life's challenges, even in the face of a debilitating injury. She also shares sobering statistics about brain aneurysms, the importance of advocating for proper medical care, and highlighted the power of community support for TBI survivors.

    For more information, visit:
    Mimi Hayes: https://mimihayes.com/#about

    Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Injury Research: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

    This was a free event sponsored The Northern NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Kessler Foundation, and Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation (Select Medical)

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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded on September 24, 2024, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/2024%20KesslerFoundation-Summer-Brainstorm_Look%20Closer.%20My%20Brain%20Injury%20Is%20Invisible-V2-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Stacia Bissell, MEd, shares an inspiring story of overcoming the challenges of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained 13 years ago. In her presentation, “Look Closer. My Brain Injury Is Invisible,” she discusses the profound impact the TBI had on her life, forcing her to adapt to a new reality and embrace her identity as a survivor. Despite these difficulties, Stacia found ways to thrive by pursuing roles as a brain injury coach, mentor, and advocate. Her resilience and determination to find a "healing process with no end" serve as an example for others navigating life after TBI. Stacia's powerful story sheds light on the invisible nature of brain injuries and the importance of building a supportive community for survivors and caregivers.

    The presentation, part of the quarterly virtual speaker Brainstorm series, is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. It was recorded on Thursday, August 20, 2024.

    View more Brainstorm speaker series videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50

  • Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Einat%20Engel-Haber%2C%20MD%2C%20Discusses%20Evolving%20Definitions%20and%20Challenges%20of%20Central%20Cord%20Syndrome_Transcription.pdf

    In this podcast, presented by the Northern NJ Spinal Cord Injury Model System series, Einat Engel-Haber, MD, discusses the challenges of accurately defining and understanding central cord syndrome (CCS). CCS is the most common and controversial spinal cord injury that primarily affects the upper extremities. Dr. Engel-Haber is an associate research scientist in the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation. She supports the need for a more precise definition, as the demographics and understanding of CCS have changed over time. The lack of a consistent definition for CCS has led to significant variability in reported incidence rates across studies, ranging from 6% to 32% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries. Dr. Engel-Haber also notes that within the incomplete tetraplegia population, the incidence of CCS can be as high as 70%. She outlines plans to review the existing literature, propose new definitions, and summarize the importance of this work for both research and clinical practice.

    To lean more about:
    Dr. Einat Engel-Haber at https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/einat-engel-haber-md

    Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at Kessler Foundation, visit
    https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

    Spinal stimulation research at Kessler Foundation https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

    Follow along with the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Defining%20and%20Decoding%20Central%20Cord%20Syndrome-Nov%202023_EHABER.pdf
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    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded in November 2023 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Subject matter experts discuss how and why a new, online education class, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” was created. The course introduces learners to the physical and emotional experience of individuals living with SCI and offers suggestions for building positive working relationships. Course content was created with guidance from individuals who have real-world experience with SCI, focus groups, and support from various organizations. Free to the public, the course’s goal is to increase knowledge about SCI, improve communication between clients and assistants, and enhance quality of care.

    Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD, Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, and Denise Fyffe, PhD, scientific researchers from the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at Kessler Foundation describe the course development process and subject matter included.

    Learn more about this course at https://kesslerfoundation.org/understanding-spinal-cord-injury-course-personal-care-assistants

    To enroll in this free online course, visit: https://bit.ly/understandingSCI

    Learn more about:
    Jeanne Zanca, MPT, PhD - https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca
    e-mail Address: [email protected]

    Denise Fyffe, PhD - https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe

    Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD - https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Trevor%20Dyson-Hudson

    Read the accompanying PowerPoint presentation at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/UnderstandingSCI_NNJSCIS_Lecture_2023.pdf

    Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Acquire%20In-Depth%20Knowledge%20on%20a%20New%20SCI%20Personal%20Caregiver%20Course%20%E2%80%93%20Transcript.pdf

    This lecture was presented by Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury Systems, Kessler Foundation, and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, a Select Medical hospital, and supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90SIMS0012).

    ========================================

    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded remotely on October 12, 2023, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Welcome to this 2024 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship Lecture podcast.

    Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, a prominent researcher in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) and disabilities, was a featured speaker at the 2023 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship.

    Her work primarily revolves around implementing and assessing evidence-based strategies aimed at establishing employment opportunities and facilitating community reintegration for veterans with SCI and other disabilities.

    In this podcast, she discussed the effectiveness of standardized evidence-based approaches that combine vocational rehabilitation with clinical care, highlighting their potential to enhance quality of life and foster competitive employment. Dr. Ottomanelli shared findings from two studies conducted in collaboration with the VA examining vocational rehabilitation in SCI. She also detailed key strategies for enhancing outcomes and implementing the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model into clinical rehabilitation to help people with SCI find competitive employment in their communities.

    Currently, Dr. Ottomanelli is an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Florida and a clinical psychologist at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, FL.

    The Baird Lecture Series educates the next generation of researchers on innovative medical rehabilitation research and treatment options.

    For more information on
    Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, https://www.cindrr.research.va.gov/CINDRRRESEARCH/investigators_staff/lisa_ottomanelli.asp

    SCI research at Kessler Foundation
    https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

    ================================
    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded in October 2023 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS.

    For more information about
    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti

    Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis

    Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti

    Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/RealTalk%20MS%20Interview_Cognitive%20Rehabilitation%20and%20MS%20with%20Nancy%20Chiaravalloti-PhD-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatments. https://realtalkms.com/

    Use by permission: REAL TALKS MS

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20cognitive%20rehabilitation-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD

    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS.

    For more information about
    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti

    Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis

    Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti

    To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatments. https://realtalkms.com/

    Use by permission: REAL TALKS MS

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20the%20modified%20Story%20Memory%20Technique%20%28KF-mSMT%29%20protocol-TRANSCRIPT.pdf 

    Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD

    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS.

    For more information about
    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti

    Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis

    Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti

    To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatments. https://realtalkms.com/

    Use by permission: REAL TALKS MS

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Which%20cognitive%20functions%20are%20commonly%20affected%20by%20MS-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD

    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS.

    For more information about
    Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti

    Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation modified story Memory Technique, https://kesslerfoundation.org/researchcenter-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research/ms/multiple-sclerosis

    Listen to the full episode at https://realtalkms.com/episode-328-cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms-with-dr-nancy-chiaravalloti

    To learn more, you can listen to Jon Strum's podcast each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news and research that may impact MS treatments. https://realtalkms.com/

    Use by permission: REAL TALKS MS

  • Explore how using specialized yoga and mindfulness exercises, developed by national nonprofit LoveYourBrain, can help individuals with traumatic brain injury. Hear tips from certified brain injury specialist and registered yoga teacher Dr. Kyla Pearce. This Winter Brainstorm Series presentation was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024. It was sponsored by Kessler Foundation and the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, grant #90DPTB0003.

    Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6UnVoNwpk

    View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/2024%20TBI%20Winter%20Brainstorm_Kyla%20Pearce-SLIDES_0.pdf

    Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/2024-KesslerFoundation-Winter%20TBI-BrainStorm-TRANSCRIPTION.pdf

    Interested in joining a study? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023%20FALL%20BrainStorm%20My%20Invisible%20Injury%20presented%20by%20Kelsey%20Boyer-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Watch our Fall Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Virtual Speakers Series and listen in as Kelsey Boyer shares her dramatic story of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) and forming the nonprofit Save a Brain. Kelsey was a competitive snowboarder in high school with hopes of competing in the Olympics, but after sustaining a brain injury in 2016, her life drastically changed. Her mission now is to provide education, encourage prevention, and spread awareness of the long-term mental and physical effects of TBI.

    The Fall Brainstorm Speaker Event is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation.

    View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023%20TBI%20Fall-BrainStorm_KelseyBoyer_PRESENTATION_0.pdf

  • Fast Takes - Episode 49

    In this episode, Dr. Denise Fyffe, senior research scientist in our Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Outcomes and Assesments Research, talks about her peer-reviewed article, “Multi-Phase Veteran Engagement to Develop a Spinal Cord Injury Employment Survey” published on March 17, 2023, in the journal Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action

    Funding Source:
    US Dept. of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), Spinal Cord Injury Research Program award # W81XWH-17-1-0696; National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research grant # 90SI5026.

    Learn more about:
    Dr. Denise Fyffe, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe

    Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research,
    https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessments-research

    Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research,
    https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research

    The peer-reviewed article at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/884416

    Co-authors: Denise C. Fyffe, Bridget A. Cotner, Lisa Ottomanelli, Ashleigh Quinn, Deveney Ching, Conner T. Clark, Paul J. Tobin, John O'Neill (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/John-ONeill)

    Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

    Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    This podcast was recorded remotely on July 13, 2023 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

  • Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/How%20to%20Live%20with%20Mild%20Traumatic%20Brain%20Injury-The%20Brainlash%20with%20Gail-Denton-2023-Summer-BrainStorm-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    Tune in to our Summer Brainstorm virtual speaker series presentation “’The Brainlash’ Way with author Gail L. Denton, PhD. Dr. Denton shares lessons, tips and strategies on living with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) As a patient turned professional MTBI life coach, Dr. Denton shares her first-hand insights and offers down-to-earth practical advice for every aspect of the MTBI recovery process.

    The 2023 Summer Brainstorm Virtual Series is supported by Kessler Foundation, the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System, and by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. Grant number 90DPTB0032

  • Fast Takes Episode 48

    Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/Novel%20Brain%20Injury%20Study%20Expands%20Prism%20Adaptation%20Treatment%20to%20Right-Sided%20Spatial%20Neglect%20-%20Episode%2048-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

    In this podcast, Research Scientist Timothy Rich, PhD, discusses a new study, the first to show the need to expand the application of prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect. Dr. Rich was part of a team that discovered prism adaptation therapy was as beneficial for treating right-sided spatial neglect as left-sided spatial neglect in a cohort of individuals with stroke and traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. The findings were published in June 2023 in a peer-reviewed article, “Prism Adaptation Treatment for Right-Sided and Left-Sided Spatial Neglect: A Retrospective Case-Matched Study,” in the journal Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation.

    Funding source: the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement, the Charles and Ann Serraino Foundation, and Kessler Foundation

    Learn more about:

    Timothy Rich, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/timothy-rich-phd-otrl

    Center for Stroke Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/stroke/rehabilitation

    The peer-reviewed article at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2023.100263

    Co-authors: Marinos Pylarinos, Devan Parrott, PhD, Peii Chen, PhD (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Peii%20Chen)

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    This podcast was recorded remotely on June 6, 2023 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.