Subjective Ratings vs. Objective Measurement of Cognitive Function: In Regard to Van Beek et al. (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007;68:986–991)

Myeloma patients' experiences of haematopoietic stem cell transplant: A qualitative thematic synthesis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to synthesise all qualitative evidence on the experiences of myeloma patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

METHOD

A systematic search strategy was developed and a rigorous search of the literature was undertaken searching six databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, Psych Info, Ethos and Proquest). The software for systematic reviews www.covidence.org was used to blind screen for eligible papers. Quality appraisal of each study was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Confidence in each finding was assessed using Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual).

RESULTS

Eight qualitative studies (reported in eleven papers and including seventy six myeloma patients) were selected in the final sample for evidence synthesis. Four themes were identified relating to patients' feeling 'dead', disconnecting and isolating themselves, cognitive impairment and engagement with exercise and its benefits in recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of cognitive functioning among myeloma patients was often under detected. Nurses should ask patients regularly about their memory and any challenges they may be experiencing to their concentration and recall, Exercise during the transplant process can help improve patients' recovery, both physically and psychologically. A structured exercise programme developed by a physiotherapist to suit the needs of each patient should be standard practice in the transplant process.

Review of recent studies on interventions for cognitive deficits in patients with cancer

Research has demonstrated that patients with cancer experience cognitive deficits, often due to aggressive anticancer treatments. In this article, we critically review the interventional studies that have been conducted to investigate beneficial effects on cognitive function in cancer patients. Pharmacological agents that have been studied include psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and modafinil, erythropoietin, and hormonal (supplement) treatments for patients who receive hormonal suppression therapy. In addition, several cognitive rehabilitation programs have been evaluated in cancer patients. Recently, the approach of physical exercise to treat cognitive deficits has received great interest, and findings from novel studies are keenly anticipated. Although, in general, the studies reviewed were well designed, future studies may wish to include larger sample sizes and pay more attention to the accurate assessment of cognitive function.

'Like a sieve': an exploratory study on cognitive impairments in patients with multiple myeloma

The aim of this study was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of cognitive impairments and concerns as described by patients with multiple myeloma and the strategies used to cope with them. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 15 multiple myeloma patients of differing age ranges and at various stages of their disease. Various cognitive impairments, such as problems with short-term memory, poor recall and lack of concentration were observed and/or expressed in at least 10 out of 15 patients, all of them long(er)-term survivors. In some patients cognitive impairments significantly interfered with their personal and professional lives, and for some patients these were described as permanent. The patients used various coping strategies, from denial, taking notes, writing diaries, reading simpler texts, using talking books and videos, to using systems for counting medication to cope with the results of their cognitive impairment. Our findings differ from much of the contemporary literature which states that if cognitive impairments in cancer patients occur, they are mostly mild and transient. More proactive supportive care is needed to help patients with multiple myeloma to cope with poorer cognitive functioning.

Cognitive rehabilitation in patients with gliomas: a randomized, controlled trial

PURPOSE

Patients with gliomas often experience cognitive deficits, including problems with attention and memory. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the effects of a multifaceted cognitive rehabilitation program (CRP) on cognitive functioning and selected quality-of-life domains in patients with gliomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred forty adult patients with low-grade and anaplastic gliomas, favorable prognostic factors, and both subjective cognitive symptoms and objective cognitive deficits were recruited from 11 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group or to a waiting-list control group. The intervention incorporated both computer-based attention retraining and compensatory skills training of attention, memory, and executive functioning. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests and self-report questionnaires on cognitive functioning, fatigue, mental health-related quality of life, and community integration at baseline, after completion of the CRP, and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

At the immediate post-treatment evaluation, statistically significant intervention effects were observed for measures of subjective cognitive functioning and its perceived burden but not for the objective NP outcomes or for any of the other self-report measures. At the 6-month follow-up, the CRP group performed significantly better than the control group on NP tests of attention and verbal memory and reported less mental fatigue. Group differences in other subjective outcomes were not significant at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The CRP has a salutary effect on short-term cognitive complaints and on longer-term cognitive performance and mental fatigue. Additional research is needed to identify which elements of the intervention are most effective.