Cognitive Enhancement Program in Improving Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Survivors

Cognitive Enhancement Program

This randomized clinical trial studies cognitive enhancement program in improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. A cognitive enhancement program may help improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors and may help doctors plan better treatment for cognitive decline.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To improve cognition of women who have had breast cancer and exhibit cognitive decline through a cognitive enhancement program.

OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I (Cognitive Enhancement Program): Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM IA (Lumosity): Participants complete Lumosity cognitive exercises. Lumosity cognitive exercises are online video game-based activities that are designed to practice various cognitive skills including processing speed, attention, memory and executive function. Participants complete cognitive exercises at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Participants also complete relaxation exercises (guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and/or autogenics) at least 10 minutes a day for 6 weeks and compensatory strategies (the use of external devices such as a notebook, day planner, or smartphone for cuing, reminding, and organizing; the use of memory strategies such as repetition, paraphrasing, and active listening; and the use of executive strategies such as self-talk for planning and attention orientation) as much as possible.

ARM IB (Active Journaling): Participants complete Active Journal cognitive exercises. Active Journaling requires participants to keep a written diary or journal where she discusses what her thoughts and feelings about various events with a focus on describing the meaning of the activities and experiences, particularly new things that were learned. Active Journaling is a method of practicing various cognitive skills including communication, organization, memory and executive function. Participants complete cognitive exercises at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Participants also complete relaxation exercises and compensatory strategies as in Arm IA.

ARM II (Lumosity only): Participants complete Lumosity cognitive exercises as in Arm IA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of breast cancer
• Received chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer diagnosis
• Chemotherapy-free for at least one year

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of learning disability, head trauma, neurologic disorder or significant psychiatric condition
• Significant medical condition (e.g. diabetes) unrelated to cancer diagnosis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications (e.g. metallic biomedical implants)
• Pregnancy