Breast cancer survivors often face a challenge known as “chemo-brain.”
This term refers to cognitive difficulties such as forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and lapses in attention that can result from breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy.
These cognitive issues can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
Researchers from the University of Reading have discovered a promising way to help breast cancer survivors cope with chemo-brain.
They’ve developed a computerized memory training program called “dual memory tracking.” This program aims to enhance impaired attention and memory in breast cancer survivors.
The Study’s Findings
The study, published in the journal Psycho-Oncology, revealed encouraging results.
The memory training program showed potential in improving the cognitive abilities of breast cancer survivors who experienced chemo-brain.
The “dual memory tracking” training involves tasks where users simultaneously track the location of squares on a screen and remember a sequence of spoken letters.
As participants’ performance improved, the tasks became more challenging.
The study found that:
Women who underwent the adaptive memory training exhibited better working memory and attention compared to a control group that received a simpler, non-adaptive version of the training.
Even one year after completing the training, those who participated in the memory training reported improved cognitive abilities and reduced symptoms of depression compared to the control group.
The Road Ahead
The researchers plan to conduct larger trials with more participants to further confirm the benefits of the memory training program.
They also aim to identify specific groups of breast cancer survivors who may respond best to this training.
Additionally, the team will investigate how factors like age and the types of treatments received impact the effectiveness of memory training.
They will also use imaging studies to examine potential changes in brain structure and activity before and after training.
Dr. Bethany Chapman, who led the study, emphasized the importance of this research in addressing the psychological toll of chemo-brain on breast cancer survivors.
By improving cognitive efficiency through memory training, researchers hope to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, reducing their risk of anxiety and depression in the long term.
In conclusion, this study offers a glimmer of hope to breast cancer survivors dealing with chemo-brain.
Memory training has the potential to empower individuals, allowing them to better manage cognitive difficulties and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives after breast cancer treatment.
If you care about breast cancer, please read studies about a major cause of deadly breast cancer, and common blood pressure drugs may increase death risk in breast cancer.
For more information about cancer prevention, please see recent studies about nutrient in fish that can be a poison for cancer, and results showing this daily vitamin is critical to cancer prevention.
The research findings can be found in Psycho-Oncology.
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