James F Sumowski
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education
212-678-3942
James F Sumowski
Professional Background
Educational Background
Ed.M. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
Scholarly Interests
James F. Sumowski, Ph.D. is a Research Scientist of Neuropsychology & Neuroscience at the Kessler Foundation Research Center in West Orange, New Jersey, and an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medicial School. Dr. Sumowski's research examines neuropsychological and neurophysiological functioning in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including a focus on lifestyle factors associated with neuroprotection. For instance, Dr. Sumowski has shown that lifetime intellectual enrichment helps to protect persons with MS from disease-related cognitive/memory deficits and cerebral inefficiency. In a separate line of research on cognitive rehabilitation, Dr. Sumowski conducts translational research applying memory phenomena from the cognitive psychology literature to improve memory functioning among persons with neurologically-based memory impairment. In particular, his research supports retrieval practice as a powerful mnemonic among persons with MS and TBI. Dr. Sumowski is also licensed as a psychologist in New York State, where he practices clinical neuropsychology.
Selected Publications
Sumowski, J.F., Rocca, M.A., Leavitt, V.M., Riccitelli, G., Comi, G., DeLuca, J., Filippi, M. Brain reserve and cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: What you've got and how you use it. Neurology. Epub ahead of print. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Leavitt, V.M., Cohen, A., Paxton, J., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. Retrieval practice is a robust memory aid for memory-impaired patients with MS. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Epub ahead of print. Abstract
Sumowski, J.F., Wylie, G.R., Leavitt, V.M., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2013). Default network activity is a sensitive and specific biomarker of memory in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 19, 199-208. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Chiaravalloti, N., Leavitt, V.M., DeLuca, J. (2012). Cognitive reserve is secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 18, 1453-1457. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Chiaravalloti, N., Erlanger, D., Kaushik, T., Benedict, R.H.B., DeLuca, J. (2011). L-amphetamine improves memory in MS patients with objective memory impairment. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 17, 1141-1145. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Wood, H.G., Chiaravalloti, N., Wylie, G.R., Lengendelder, J., DeLuca, J. (2010). Retrieval practice: A simple strategy for improving memory after traumatic brain injury. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 16, 1147-1150. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Wylie, G.R., Gonnella, A., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2010). Premorbid cognitive leisure independently contributes to cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 75, 1428-1431. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J.F., Wylie, G.R., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2010). Intellectual enrichment lessens the effect of brain atrophy on learning and memory in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 74, 1942-1945. Abstract Pubmed, Press Release
Sumowski, J.F., Wylie, G.R., DeLuca, J., Chiaravalloti, N. (2010). Intellectual enrichment is linked to cerebral efficiency in multiple sclerosis: functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence for cognitive reserve. Brain, 133, 362-374. Full Text PDF
Sumowski, J. F., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2010). Retrieval practice improves memory in multiple sclerosis: clinical application of the testing effect. Neuropsychology, 24, 267-272. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J. F., Chiaravalloti, N., Wylie, G., DeLuca, J. (2009). Cognitive reserve moderates the negative effect of brain atrophy on cognitive efficiency in multiple sclerosis. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 15, 606-612. Abstract Pubmed
Sumowski, J. F., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2009). Cognitive reserve protects against cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 31, 913-926. Abstract Pubmed
