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Cognitive Functioning and Health in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors
Amanda M Marín-Chollom1,2, Christiane Hale3, Pamela Koch4
1Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, Marcus White, Room 216, 1615 Stanley Street, P.O. Box 4010, New Britain, CT, 06053, USA. amarin-chollom@ccsu.edu.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
|October 28, 2021
Summary
Higher intensity physical activity and greater caloric intake were linked to better cognitive function in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors. Moderate activity showed no cognitive link, but very hard activity improved processing speed and overall cognition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is a common concern for breast cancer survivors.
- Lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity may influence cognitive health.
- Understanding these factors in diverse populations, such as Hispanic/Latina survivors, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body composition (BMI, WHR), diet, and physical activity with cognitive functioning.
- To identify specific lifestyle factors that may enhance or impair cognition in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 54 Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors.
- Cognitive functioning assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery.
- Linear regression models used to analyze associations, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- Very hard physical activity was positively associated with faster processing speed and composite cognition scores.
- Total time in moderate to very hard physical activity correlated with improved cognitive flexibility.
- Higher total caloric intake was linked to better episodic memory.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) showed no significant association with cognitive measures.
Conclusions:
- Engagement in higher intensity physical activity is associated with better cognitive function in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors.
- Dietary intake, specifically total calories, may play a role in specific cognitive domains like episodic memory.
- Further research into exercise intensity and dietary patterns is warranted to support cognitive health in this population.
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