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Computerized cognitive training improves cognitive function in primary breast cancer survivors.
Karl R Kleinknecht1,2, Mira Bierend3,4, Lisa-Maria Keim1,2
1Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
NPJ Breast Cancer
|September 30, 2024
Summary
Web-based cognitive training significantly improved cognitive function and executive function in breast cancer survivors shortly after treatment. This early intervention shows promise for mitigating cancer-related cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Psychology
Background:
- Cancer-related cognitive impairment affects breast cancer patients' quality of life, impacting attention, memory, and executive functions.
- Existing interventions for cognitive deficits are varied, with few targeting the early post-treatment phase when impairments are most pronounced.
- Breast cancer survivors often experience significant cognitive decline in the period immediately following primary treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a web-based cognitive training program in improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors during the early post-treatment phase.
- To assess the impact of early web-based cognitive training on overall cognitive performance and specific executive functions.
- To compare cognitive outcomes between a training group and a control group in breast cancer survivors with subjective cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled pilot study involving 31 breast cancer survivors with subjective cognitive deficits.
- Participants were assigned to a 14-week web-based cognitive training program or a control group.
- Neuropsychological assessments and patient-reported outcome measures were conducted before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- The training group showed a significant improvement in overall cognitive impairment (56% vs. 25%) compared to the control group (73% vs. 73%).
- Statistically significant improvements in executive functions were observed in the training group (p=0.004).
- At follow-up, the training group had a lower rate of overall cognitive impairment and better executive function performance than the control group.
Conclusions:
- Web-based cognitive training is efficacious in improving overall cognitive performance and executive function in breast cancer survivors.
- Early intervention with cognitive training during the immediate post-treatment phase may enhance neuropsychological outcomes.
- Cognitive training offers a potential strategy to address cognitive deficits experienced by breast cancer patients.
