KF's TBI research director to speak at Washington conference

TBI research director Jordan Grafman discusses long-term effects of brain injury on social cognition on March 6 in DC

Jordan Grafman, PhD, director of Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation, is an invited speaker at The 2nd Annual Traumatic Brain Injury Conference on March 6, 2012, in Washington, DC. Dr. Grafman will describe the long-term cognitive and social consequences of traumatic brain injury. A well known expert, he will focus on his research on the influence of the location of brain injury and genetic polymorphisms on social abilities and quality of life.

The Conference will be held March 6-7 at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria, VA. The theme is challenges and opportunities in preclinical and clinical development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Grafman is one of a panel of noted researchers from the international community of brain injury experts, including presenters from academia, the government, the military and industry.

Research into neuroplasticity shows that the brain has greater capacity for healing than previously thought. Dr. Grafman's goal is to translate that concept into more effective, targeted rehabilitation. To tailor interventions for individuals in order to achieve the best outcomes after TBI, his research incorporates neuroimaging and genetics. This approach has the potential to broaden our knowledge of the impact of TBI, as well as other diseases that impair brain function, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and degenerative diseases.

Source: Kessler Foundation