Attention and Memory Deficits in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) commonly report deficits in attention and memory, cognitive functions crucial for daily optimal functioning. Perceived deficits are reported before, during, and after adjuvant therapy and affect quality of life throughout survivorship. Deficits of attention and memory are particularly disruptive for BCSs working or attending school who report that subtle impairment diminishes their confidence and their performance at all levels of occupation. Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy contribute to attention and memory deficits, but research findings have not fully established the extent or timing of that influence. Fortunately, potential interventions for attention and memory deficits in BCSs are promising. These include cognitive remediation therapies aimed at training for specific areas of deficit, cognitive behavioral therapies aimed at developing compensatory strategies for areas of deficit, complementary therapies, and pharmacologic therapies.

Quality of life and psychological functioning in postmenopausal women undergoing aromatase inhibitor treatment for early breast cancer

“…Some evidence suggested that hormonal changes during specific treatments do not provoke cognitive decline in patients BCSs in the first years from diagnosis [31]. The occurrence of severe perceived cognitive deficits have been noted, above all in attention and memory, and worse QoL in BCSs who were undergoing adjuvant therapy, which are disruptive for BCSs in their work life because of lack of performance [32,33].…”

Cognitive Deficits in Breast Cancer Survivors After Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy

“…If not addressed, these deficits can persist throughout survivorship and decrease quality of life in realms including home, work, and community. Possible strategies for alleviating cognitive deficits include healthy lifestyle changes (cognitive prescriptions), complementary therapies, pharmacologic treatments, cognitive remediation therapy, or a combination of these options (Frank et al, 2014). Vance, Eagerton, Harnish, McKie-Bell, and Fazeli (2011) suggest that healthy living including adequate sleep, good nutrition, intellectual activity, physical exercise, and socialization has positive effects in both healthy aging and in patients with HIV/AIDS.…”

03 / the Lived Experience of Chemo Brain in Early Stage Breast Cancer in Women 50 and Under

“…The aim is to reduce the number of new cancer cases, as well as the illnesses, disabilities, and deaths caused by cancer (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2017). Chemo brain, as a result of chemotherapy treatment of women diagnosed with breast cancer, is an important, and little understood phenomena both for the women using the healthcare system and for the professional nurses who are their major healthcare providers (Frank, Vance, Jukkala, & Meneses, 2014). Symptoms of chemo brain that significantly impact the quality of life for women with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy are evident in their daily lives; however, patients with manifestations of chemo brain often do not receive validation, treatment or education about these symptoms (Grober, 2002).…”