Kessler Research in New Jersey, USA  is actively looking for individuals with stroke and healthy adults to serve as controls.

Find info below about Dr. Anna Barrett who is the Director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation and the active studies.

"Dr. Anna Barrett, a neurologist and researcher, years ago became convinced that she wanted to work to understand and improve treatment of problems with mental function after stroke.  The first group of people who taught her about what it is like to live with a cognitive disorder were people with the speech and language disorder, aphasia. Over the years her research to understand brain mechanisms has gone in other directions, but she remains dedicated to helping to improve the relationship between people with aphasia and society."

We are exploring the use of Keppra, an antiepileptic medication, to improve speech, language and thinking in chronic post-stroke aphasia.

Keppra is related to piracetam, a medication that has been used in Europe for cognition and aphasia. Piracetam is not available in the US.

The second study we are actively recruiting for is studying the effect of stroke on vision and behavior. We will examine the neuropsychological mechanisms of far bias and distractibility in brain-injured post-stroke patients and matched controls. Subjects will perform a series of  line bisections using a video apparatus. The long-term goal of this work is to form a basis for future translational studies focused on treatment of post-stroke spatial attention disorders. We are also looking for healthy adults (40-100yrs) to participate as controls for the Visual distraction study. All of our participants will be reimbursed $30/visit to cover miscellaneous expenses, travel, and their donated time.

For more  information about the research program visit http://www.kmrrec.org/KM/stroke/index.php. They are always recruiting for research studies. Ms. Siby Varughese, Research Coordinator could be reached at 973-324-3564 or via email at svarughese@kmrrec.org. Dr. Anna Barrett, Director, could be reached at 973-243-6978 or at abarrett@kmrrec.org."