Kessler Foundation scientist Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, receives Fred Foley Award for contributions to cognitive research in multiple sclerosis

(Press-News.org) East Hanover, NJ – June 3, 2024 – Nancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD, has been awarded the 2024 Fred Foley Award for her contributions to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of memory deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Chiaravalloti is director of the Centers for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury Research and co-director of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at Kessler Foundation. This prestigious accolade, established in 2016 by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), was presented on May 31 at the CMSC conference in Nashville, TN, and was accepted by John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president for Research and Training and co-director of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research.

“I want to thank CMSC and Dr. Foley for this award. I am honored to be associated with Dr. Foley’s work, as his devotion to improving mental health treatment and outcomes in persons with MS and their families is exemplary,” remarked Dr. Chiaravalloti.

“Cognitive impairments are prevalent among people with MS. Our team of scientists and I have dedicated years to researching this facet of the disease to enhance our understanding and provide better outcomes,” she explained. "Our research focuses on improving memory and learning, and we are now seeing tangible benefits and clinical impact in these individuals—including those with progressive disease. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals with MS to actively engage in their communities, workplaces, and family lives,” concluded Dr. Chiaravalloti.

The award is named after Frederick W. Foley, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology at Yeshiva University and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and director of Neuropsychology & Psychosocial Research at Holy Name Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Center. 

About the Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at Kessler Foundation
Center 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 Foundation’s research-dedicated Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation. For more information, visit Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research.

About The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is the largest North American multidisciplinary membership organization dedicated to defining and advancing the standard of care of MS patients. Its mission is to promote high quality MS care through education, training, clinical research, networking, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC includes a professional network of 15,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit www.mscare.org.

About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research. Our scientists seek to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes, including employment, for adults and children with neurological and developmental disabilities of the brain and spinal cord including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Kessler Foundation also leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

Press Contacts at Kessler Foundation:
Deborah Hauss, DHauss@kesslerfoundation.org;
Carolann Murphy, CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org.

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