Cognitive abilities - Cancer Science

What are Cognitive Abilities?

Cognitive abilities refer to mental processes that allow us to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex. These include attention, memory, problem-solving, language, and executive functions. These skills are crucial for everyday activities and overall quality of life.

How Can Cancer Affect Cognitive Abilities?

Cancer and its treatments can negatively impact cognitive functioning, a phenomenon often referred to as "chemo brain" or "cancer-related cognitive impairment." These cognitive challenges can include difficulties with memory, concentration, and the ability to process information.

Which Treatments Contribute to Cognitive Impairment?

Various cancer treatments can lead to cognitive changes. Chemotherapy is the most commonly associated with cognitive impairment, but other treatments such as radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy can also contribute to these issues. The severity can vary depending on the type and dosage of the treatment.

Are There Specific Cancers More Linked to Cognitive Challenges?

While cognitive impairment can occur with any type of cancer, it is more commonly reported in patients with breast cancer, brain tumors, and lung cancer. The risk may be higher in cancers that directly affect the central nervous system.

What Are the Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients?

Symptoms can vary but generally include problems with short-term memory, difficulty concentrating, trouble finding words, and challenges in multi-tasking. These symptoms can be subtle or significantly impact daily life.

How is Cognitive Impairment Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves a combination of patient self-reports, clinical assessments, and neuropsychological testing. Healthcare providers may use standardized tests to evaluate various aspects of cognitive function.

Can Cognitive Impairment Be Prevented or Managed?

While it may not be entirely preventable, several strategies can help manage cognitive impairment. These include cognitive rehabilitation, physical exercise, and mental exercises like puzzles and games. Additionally, some medications and lifestyle changes may help alleviate symptoms.

What Role Does Support Play?

Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is crucial in managing cognitive impairment. Psychological support and counseling can also be beneficial in coping with the emotional aspects of cognitive challenges.

Are There Ongoing Research and Developments?

Research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms behind cancer-related cognitive impairment and to develop effective interventions. Studies are being conducted to explore the impact of various treatments and to identify potential protective factors.

Relevant Publications

Admixture mapping of cognitive function in diverse Hispanic and Latino adults: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Issue Release: 2024

Effectiveness synchronous e-learning in nursing education: A meta-analysis and subgroup analysis.

Issue Release: 2024

An interpretable generative multimodal neuroimaging-genomics framework for decoding Alzheimer\'s disease.

Issue Release: 2024

MRI free water mediates the association between water exchange rate across the blood brain barrier and executive function among older adults.

Issue Release: 2024

Safety and efficiency of Wharton\'s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell administration in patients with traumatic brain injury: First results of a phase I study.

Issue Release: 2024

Indirect neurogenesis in space and time.

Issue Release: 2024

Factorial invariance of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition, across the UK, US and Australia & New Zealand.

Issue Release: 2024

Sex differences in visuospatial cognition- a female advantage in jigsaw puzzle solving.

Issue Release: 2024

Edaravone Dexborneol ameliorates the cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 mice by inhibiting TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway via upregulating TREM2.

Issue Release: 2024

Pharmacokinetic study and neuropharmacological effects of Atractylenolide Ⅲ to improve cognitive impairment via PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin rats.

Issue Release: 2024

Improving mentalizing deficits in older age with region-specific transcranial direct current stimulation.

Issue Release: 2024

Rational adaptation in word production: Strong conceptual ability reduces the effect of lexical impairments on verb retrieval in aphasia.

Issue Release: 2024

Theta activity and cognitive functioning: Integrating evidence from resting-state and task-related developmental electroencephalography (EEG) research.

Issue Release: 2024

Whole genome sequencing in (recurrent) glioblastoma: challenges related to informed consent procedures and data sharing.

Issue Release: 2024

Fostering excellence: Nurturing motivation and performance among high- and average-ability students through need-supportive teaching.

Issue Release: 2024

Wayfinding in pairs: comparing the planning and navigation performance of dyads and individuals in a real-world environment.

Issue Release: 2024

Domestic chickens solving mirror-mediated spatial location tasks uncovering their cognitive abilities.

Issue Release: 2024

Time-mapping and future-oriented behavior in free-ranging wild fruit bats.

Issue Release: 2024

Urinary iodine concentrations in preschoolers and cognitive development at 4 and 6 years of age, the Rhea mother-child cohort on Crete, Greece.

Issue Release: 2024

Vocabulary and expressive morpho-syntax in individuals with Down syndrome: Links to narration.

Issue Release: 2024

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