Lisa M Hess1, Kathleen C Insel. 1. The College of Medicine, the Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson.
Abstract
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To develop a conceptual model of chemotherapy-related changes in cognitive function. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CINAHL, HealthStar, and PsycINFO databases. DATA SYNTHESIS: Patients undergoing chemotherapy often complain of forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and an inability to focus when performing a variety of daily tasks. Changes in cognitive function have been referred to by the colloquial term "chemo-brain." The authors conducted an examination of the literature to investigate relationships among concepts and to synthesize current knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive function, defined as higher-order mental processes, may be altered along two distinct and interacting pathways: (a) the cancer diagnosis, which can lead to anxiety, stress, distress, and depression; and (b) the direct physiologic effects of cancer treatment. The Chemotherapy-Related Change in Cognitive Function conceptual model is informed by a review of literature that illustrates antecedents, moderators, mediators, and consequences that may be relevant to this issue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: When a patient presents with cognitive complaints, the problems can be evaluated for intervention when an overall understanding exists of chemotherapy-related cognitive changes based on a conceptual model that continues to be informed through well-conceptualized and well-designed research.
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To develop a conceptual model of chemotherapy-related changes in cognitive function. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CINAHL, HealthStar, and PsycINFO databases. DATA SYNTHESIS: Patients undergoing chemotherapy often complain of forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and an inability to focus when performing a variety of daily tasks. Changes in cognitive function have been referred to by the colloquial term "chemo-brain." The authors conducted an examination of the literature to investigate relationships among concepts and to synthesize current knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive function, defined as higher-order mental processes, may be altered along two distinct and interacting pathways: (a) the cancer diagnosis, which can lead to anxiety, stress, distress, and depression; and (b) the direct physiologic effects of cancer treatment. The Chemotherapy-Related Change in Cognitive Function conceptual model is informed by a review of literature that illustrates antecedents, moderators, mediators, and consequences that may be relevant to this issue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: When a patient presents with cognitive complaints, the problems can be evaluated for intervention when an overall understanding exists of chemotherapy-related cognitive changes based on a conceptual model that continues to be informed through well-conceptualized and well-designed research.
Authors: John D Merriman; Catherine Jansen; Theresa Koetters; Claudia West; Marylin Dodd; Kathryn Lee; Steven M Paul; Bradley E Aouizerat; Bruce A Cooper; Patrick S Swift; William Wara; Christine Miaskowski Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum Date: 2010-07 Impact factor: 2.172
Authors: I Glimelius; S Ekberg; J Linderoth; M Jerkeman; E T Chang; M Neovius; K E Smedby Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2015-02-18 Impact factor: 4.442
Authors: John D Merriman; Bradley E Aouizerat; Dale J Langford; Bruce A Cooper; Christina R Baggott; Janine K Cataldo; Anand Dhruva; Laura Dunn; Claudia West; Steven M Paul; Christine S Ritchie; Patrick S Swift; Christine Miaskowski Journal: Biol Res Nurs Date: 2013-03-11 Impact factor: 2.522
Authors: Diane Von Ah; Janet S Carpenter; Andrew Saykin; Patrick Monahan; Jingwei Wu; Menggang Yu; George Rebok; Karlene Ball; Bryan Schneider; Michael Weaver; Eileen Tallman; Fred Unverzagt Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2012-08-24 Impact factor: 4.872