Acute Change in Perceived Cognitive Performance Across Different Age Groups Following First Chemotherapy Infusion in...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common concern for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The acute effects of initial chemotherapy infusions on perceived cognition are not well understood, particularly across different age demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate immediate changes in perceived cognition after the first chemotherapy infusion in young, middle-aged, and older breast cancer patients.
• To identify baseline risk factors linked to exacerbated CRCI within these distinct age cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized PROMIS Cognitive Abilities 4a and Cognitive Function 8a assessments pre- and post-infusion in chemotherapy-naïve breast cancer patients.
• Defined clinically significant CRCI as T-scores ≤ 45.
• Employed paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression models to analyze cognitive changes and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Significant declines in perceived cognitive performance and increased CRCI prevalence were observed across all age groups (young, middle-aged, older).
• In middle-aged patients, White race and college education were associated with poorer cognitive function, while college education and sleep disturbance correlated with reduced cognitive ability.
• Among older adults, depressive symptoms were linked to both worsened cognitive function and ability.

Conclusions:

• Acute cognitive impairment emerges after the first chemotherapy infusion in breast cancer patients, irrespective of age.
• Identified age-specific risk factors for CRCI underscore the need for tailored interventions to mitigate early cognitive decline.