Background:The incidence of long-term survival in glioblastoma (GBM), i.e., >3 years, ranges from 3% to 5%. Although extensive research is performed in novel therapies for prolonging survival, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the impact of tumor and treatment on cognitive, psychological, and social status of survivors. This study is an attempt to look into this poorly addressed important issue.Materials and Methods:Nine patients (six adults and three children) with GBM who had survived >3 years were included in the study. The quality of life (QOL) functions were assessed with the World Health Organization QOL Questionnaire BREF questionnaire. The neuropsychological assessment was done using the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences neuropsychology battery for adults and children. The scores were compared with normative data.Results:The physical and psychological health-related QOL of long-term GBM survivors were affected considerably due to fatigue, poor quality of sleep, inability to concentrate, presence of depression, financial burden with impaired personal and social relationships (P < 0.05). Different domains of cognitions such as motor speed (P = 0.0173), mental speed (P = 0.0022), sustained attention (P = 0.0001), long-term memory (P = 0.0431), mental flexibility (P < 0.05), and planning and executive functions (P < 0.05) were significantly impaired affecting personal, social, and professional lives.Conclusion:The health-related QOL and cognition are significantly impaired in GBM long-term survivors. As the incidence of long-term survival is very less, there is a need for larger multicenter studies to come up with definitive results, which in turn can help in formatting the rehabilitative and support programs for these patients.
[b]Background: [/b]The present study aims at comparing the cognitive profile of creative artists and non-creative participants. We assessed creativity correlates by taking a sample of professionally creative artists unlike those previous studies conducted with college students or which employed biographical data from eminent creators who form a rare and extreme group on the continuum of creativity.[b]Material/ Methods: [/b]A matched control design with cross sectional assessment was used for the study. The study sample comprised two groups – Creative group (CR) and matched Non-creative group (NC) with 30 participants each. All participants were in the age range of 20-40 years and had a minimum average intelligence (IQ score &amp;gt;90). Screening measures included the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices and the Creativity Achievement Questionnaire used to select pro C creative individuals for the creative group. NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery (Rao et al, 2004) was used to assess the comprehensive cognitive profile (domains of speed and attention; executive functions; learning &amp;amp; memory) of the participants. The Battery comprises globally recognized neuropsychological tests which have been standardized for the Indian population.[b]Results: [/b]It was found that CR group had statistically significant higher scores on focused attention, category fluency, design fluency (both free and fixed), visuo-spatial working memory (medium effect size), set shifting ability, response inhibition and verbal memory. A significant positive correlation was found between intelligence, mental speed, focused attention, category fluency, design fluency (both free &amp;amp; fixed), set shifting, response inhibition, verbal memory and all components of creativity.[b]Conclusions:[/b]The present study elucidates the functions associated with creativity. It was possible to identify creative individuals, one to one matching across both the groups, thereby controlling the influence of age, gender and education; using a standardized and comprehensive battery to assess cognitive functions and statistical rigor in analyzing the data.
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