NYU scientist recognized for work on MS cognitive impairments
Yael Goverover honored with Fellow of ACRM title
Cognitive rehabilitation scientist Yael Goverover, PhD, has been recognized with the title of Fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) for her contributions to research on multiple sclerosis (MS) and her efforts at advancing cognitive rehabilitation for people with the disease.
Goverover’s work has focused on understanding the cognitive symptoms experienced with MS and acquired brain injury (ABI) and the impact these impairments have on occupational performance. The title was conferred by the ACRM Fellows Committee and Board of Governors at the organization’s annual conference this month in Dallas.
“Dr. Goverover’s work has made significant strides in the understanding and treatment of cognitive impairments related to MS and ABI,” John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president of research and training at the Kessler Foundation, said in a press release.
MS is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys myelin, the fatty substance that covers and protects nerve fibers. Without myelin, nerve communication is impaired, resulting in a range of symptoms that includes numbness and tingling, fatigue, and pain.
More than half of MS patients will also have some changes in cognitive function. Damage to the nervous system can lead to difficulties with thinking or reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and decision making. While these are usually mild, more severe issues with cognition that interfere with work or school performance can occur.
Cognitive impairment and occupational performance
Goverover, PhD, a professor at New York University, and a visiting scientist at at Kessler Foundation, has made a career out of advancing cognitive rehabilitation for people with MS and ABI.
Along with studying the relationship between cognitive impairments and occupational performance, she has developed assessments and interventions toward improving functioning for people with cognitive impairments.
Goverover has received more than $3 million in competitive research funding, including grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She’s also authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to several book chapters. Her research has been presented at both national and international conferences.
ACRM also recognized Goverover for her key leadership roles within the organization. In 2022, she cocreated and cochaired a cognitive rehabilitation task force along with DeLuca, another ACRM Fellow.
Her role in the task force, along with her service as a member of the Neurodegenerative Diseases Networking Group since 2020, underscore her commitment to advancing treatments for cognitive problems through interdisciplinary collaboration, according to the Kessler Foundation.
“Her contributions have elevated occupational therapy within cognitive rehabilitation and have provided valuable insights that improve lives,” DeLuca said.
Goverover is now the fifth professional at the Kessler Foundation to earn the ACRM Fellow designation.
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