2011 TC Research
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College Columbia University

Research

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James F Sumowski

Professional Background

Educational Background

Ph.D. Columbia University, New York, New York
School Psychology with Neuropsychology Focus
 
APA Accredited Internship, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Glen Oaks, New York
Clinical Neuropsychology

Ed.M. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
School Psychology
 
B.A. Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
Psychology and Philosophy
 

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

(Selected 14 of 20 journal articles)

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
 
Wylie, G.R., Genova, H., DeLuca, J., Chiaravalloti, N. Sumowski, J.F. (2012). Functional magnetic resonance imaging movers and shakers: Does subject-movement cause sampling bias? Human Brain Mapping. Epub ahead of print. Abstract Pubmed
 
Leavitt, V.M., Sumowski, J.F., Chiaravalloti, N., DeLuca, J. (2012). Warmer outdoor temperature is associated with worse cognitive status in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 27, 964-968. 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