WEST ORANGE, NJ--(Marketwired - May 29, 2013) - In recognition of May as National Stroke Awareness Month, Kessler Foundation highlighted its stroke rehabilitation research and funding of employment initiatives to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
While many researchers strive to improve mobility after stroke, scientists at Kessler Foundation focus on what are known as "hidden disabilities," which often go undiagnosed and untreated, but greatly limit independence and quality of life. Spatial neglect -- a hidden disability that affects up to 70 percent of stroke survivors -- is of special interest to researchers at Kessler Foundation.
"Paralysis and weakness are well recognized, while hidden disabilities are often overlooked," said A.M. Barrett, M.D., Director of Stroke Research at Kessler Foundation."However, recovering mobility can be slower when people have problems with communication, memory, functional vision and perception of one's environment. Even people with mild strokes can have hidden disabilities that are highly disabling, causing problems with many functions including self care, driving, reading and navigating one's surroundings. These disabilities prolong hospitalizations and rehabilitation and increase the risk for injury and other complications." She is also Chief of the Neurorehabilitation Program Innovation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of N.J. - New Jersey Medical School.
Peii Chen, Ph.D., research scientist at the Foundation, with Dr. Barrett, founded the first Network for Spatial Neglect, which enlists the help of scientists and clinicians around the world to lessen the impact of hidden disabilities, such as spatial neglect, on recovery from stroke. Other research also analyzes mobility issues caused by stroke, factors affecting long-term outcomes and the impact on caregivers.
Research highlights include:
Spatial neglect research at Kessler Foundation is showing positive results for individuals recovering from stroke, including Robert Vroeginday, 52, from New Milford, N.J. After a massive stroke nearly four years ago, his brain was unable to process images from the center to the left of his field of vision. This greatly limited his independence as he could no longer safely perform daily activities, such as driving. During inpatient rehabilitation, he participated in the Foundation's prism goggle study. After two months in the study, Vroeginday regained his license and now drives and lives independently. Dr. Barrett is beginning a study where caregivers can administer prism goggle adaptation therapy in the home.
In addition to conducting rehabilitation research, Kessler Foundation also distributes grant funding to organizations that create or expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. "Some of our special initiatives focus on job skills training and support needs of individuals who have disabilities caused by stroke," said to Elaine Katz, VP of Grants and Special Initiatives. Stroke-specific grants include:
Recent Publications:
About Kessler FoundationKessler 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. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.
Go here to read the rest:
Kessler Foundation Marks National Stroke Awareness Month