Recently Completed Research Projects 

Cognitive Intervention Program for persons with Multiple Sclerosis - The objective of this research was to help MS patients understand, manage and implement strategies designed to improve thinking in everyday living situations. The intervention wass based on a program developed by Dr. Toglia and successfully used for persons with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and published in 2005 in the journal Neurology. The pilot study on persons with Multiple Sclerosis has recently been completed and a manuscript is being prepared.  Additional funding is also being sought to continue the research. Read about the cognitive intervention study for persons with multiple sclerosis conducted at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Developing and Piloting Treatment Activities for the Multicontext Treatment Approach - Dr. Toglia and her colleagues recently published an article based on an exploratory study involving an intervention program for persons with traumatic brain injury. The study was supported by a grant received by Dr. Toglia from the National Institute of Health Extramural Associates Extramural Associates Research Development Award (EARDA). 

Relationship of outcome measures in Stroke Clients - Phase I - Dr. Toglia and colleagues recently completed a study comparing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to the Mini Mental State Exam and examined the relationship of both screening tools to functional outcome.  A manuscript was published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  Phase 2 of the project involving creating an interdisciplinary database of core stroke outcome measures is currently underway.

Current Research Projects with Students and Clinicians

•  Determinants of Vocational Functioning After First Mild Stroke -  As co-investigator along with Occupational Therapy colleagues,  this is an exploratory and descriptive study that involves screening subtle areas of functioning during the early or acute phase of an inpatient stay following a TIA or mild stroke. Patients are then interviewed 6 and 12 months after a stroke to determine factors that impact return to work. 

• Developing and Piloting Treatment Activities for the Multicontext Treatment Approach. - This project involves testing the fieldity of a new intervention protocol for persons with aquired bain injury in an inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient setting. Students are assisting in developing training materials and refining the protocol.

•  Development of the Cognitive Self Efficacy Questionnaire - A Cognitive Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CESQ) was developed. Students participated in collecting data on 200 healthy adults for phase I of this project.  In addition, data has also been colleced by colleagues on persons with Major Depression and Mild Cognitive Impairment. We are analyzing results and extending the questionnaire to clinical populations. A manuscript is in progress.

• Improving independent functioning and transition to work in young adults with autism or developmental disabilities - We are presently conducting exploratory descriptive case studies on young adults with autism or developmental disabilities. Use of cognitive technologies as well as video feedback and self monitoring eachniques are being explored to enhance level of functioning and decrease need for assistance or supervision.