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New Program May Improve Memory and Thought Processes for Breast Cancer Survivors

TOP - Daily

Memory and thought process training may aid in managing symptoms following chemotherapy

Breast cancer survivors often experience difficulties with memory or feelings of mental slowness. These symptoms can be severe and may persist after cancer treatment ends, which can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, and an overall poorer quality of life. Now, a new study is the first of its kind to show a possibility for improvement in memory and thought process speeds among breast cancer survivors.

To date, there have been very few treatment options available for patients to deal with these problems. Therefore, Diane M. Von Ah, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing and a researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and colleagues studied 2 different treatment options for improving memory and mental slowness.

The study, recently published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, included 82 breast cancer survivors who reported concerns about their cognitive function. All of the women had undergone chemotherapy. Cognitive assessments were completed for each woman prior to, immediately after, and 2 months after training.

Study results showed that a memory training program improved memory performance. For this, participants had to learn strategies for remembering word lists, sequences, and text material. Also, study results showed that Insight, a computer program in which study participants followed a series of progressively more difficult information tasks, improved both memory performance and the ability and speed with which the survivors processed information.

“These results are encouraging in that both training programs led to positive improvements for breast cancer survivors. The results suggest that the Insight program may have a greater impact on these women,” Von Ah said.

Source: Indiana University.