An Investigation of Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairments in Breast Cancer Survivors

An Investigation of Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairments in Breast Cancer

The main goal of this project is to identify and remediate the cognitive difficulties, including processing speed and attention deficits in individuals who have undergone chemotherapy treatment. Recent research has demonstrated objective cognitive deficits following chemotherapy and that it is not an emotional reaction to the cancer diagnosis as it was once considered. There are a large number of woman diagnosed and treated for breast cancer that experience chemotherapy induced cognitive deficits.

Subjects who participate in the study will be evaluated for cognitive abilities prior to chemotherapy treatment and after completion of chemotherapy. Participants will then have the option to participate in the second phase of the study, which involves the use of a computer-based Brain Fitness Program for 12 weeks. This is followed by another cognitive evaluation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of breast cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy treatment
2. all subjects will be between the ages of 18 and 70 years old
3. free from significant psychiatric history
4. free of current alcohol or drug abuse.
5. All participants need to understand and read English and have the capacity to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals with pre-exiting neurological disorder (i.e. brain tumors, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder) or diagnosed with metastasis cancer.
2. Individuals younger than 18 years old and older than 70 years old will also be excluded due to developmental changes that occur in those years.
3. Individuals with a current substance use disorder will also be excluded.
4. Individuals who lack the capacity to consent will be excluded from this study.