Kessler Foundation researchers to improve rehabilitation after stroke

$250,000 grant will further stroke rehabilitation research

Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 stroke research grant from the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement. Anna Barrett, MD, director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation, will apply the funds to finding better ways to treat hidden disabilities that often complicate recovery after stroke. "Our stroke researchers are pleased to receive this grant," said Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation. "The Wallerstein Foundation recognizes Kessler Foundation's commitment to improving rehabilitation after stroke, and is encouraged by the advances being made by Dr. Barrett's research team."

Paralysis and weakness are well recognized complications, noted Dr. Barrett, unlike hidden disabilities, which affect 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. Often overlooked, these disabilities prolong hospitalizations and rehabilitation and increase the risk for injury and other complications.

The grant is especially welcome in these days of increasing competitiveness for grant funding. "Because of the challenges we face with federal grant funding," said Barrett, "this generous gift from the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement is most significant. This enables us to continue our investigation of promising treatments for hidden disabilities after stroke."

One such therapy is prism adaptation therapy, which uses optical lenses to help correct a hidden disability called spatial neglect. Investigators at Kessler Foundation's Stroke Research Laboratory are studying which stroke survivors may be most likely to benefit from prism adaptation. "Effective treatments will increase independence, decrease falls and accidents, and reduce the burdens on stroke survivors and their loved ones in the future," said Barrett.