Dataset Information

Use of focused computerized cognitive training (Neuroflex) to improve symptoms in women with persistent chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a distressing and increasingly recognized long-term sequela reported by breast cancer patients following cancer treatment. There is an urgent but unmet clinical need for treatments that improve CRCI. In this context, we proposed the use of a novel cognitive enhancement strategy called Neuroflex to target CRCI experienced by breast cancer survivors.

Methods

The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Neuroflex, a novel digital cognitive enhancement strategy, in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors with CRCI. Secondary analyses focused on whether improvements in performance on Neuroflex were associated with improvement in subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive performance measures.

Results

Participants (N = 21) completed an average of 7.42 hours of Neuroflex training per week, an average of 44.5 (±1.01) hours total, and had a 100% completion rate. Participants exhibited significant improvement in self-reported cognitive function as well as significant improvement on tasks of verbal learning and memory and auditory working memory. Participants also exhibited improvement in mood, as well as improvement on a disability assessment.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate feasibility and that breast cancer survivors are capable of completing a lengthy and challenging cognitive training program. Secondly, Neuroflex may confer specific cognitive benefits to both self-reported and objective performance. Results strongly support further investigation of Neuroflex in a larger controlled trial to establish efficacy for CRCI symptoms. Further studies may also result in optimization of this digital intervention for women with CRCI.

SUBMITTER: Vega JN

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10426301 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Use of focused computerized cognitive training (Neuroflex) to improve symptoms in women with persistent chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.

Vega Jennifer N JN Newhouse Paul A PA Conley Alexander C AC Szymkowicz Sarah M SM Gong Xuewen X Cote Sarah S Mayer Ingrid I Taylor Warren D WD Morimoto Sarah Shizuko SS

Digital health 20230101

<h4>Purpose</h4>Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a distressing and increasingly recognized long-term sequela reported by breast cancer patients following cancer treatment. There is an urgent but unmet clinical need for treatments that improve CRCI. In this context, we proposed the use of a novel cognitive enhancement strategy called Neuroflex to target CRCI experienced by breast cancer survivors.<h4>Methods</h4>The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibilit ...[more]

PMID: 37588161

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Project description:Computerized cognitive training (cCT) is a non-invasive treatment strategy in which individuals repeatedly practice computer-based tasks targeting specific cognitive functions. While traditional face-to-face cognitive training is costly and accompanied by long waiting times, mobile cCT can improve the healthcare situation due to its accessibility and versatility. This interim analysis of the NeuroNation MED Effectiveness Study (NeNaE) explores the initial effects of a mobile, gamified cCT (NeuroNation MED) on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; ICD-10 code F06.7). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the intervention group (IG) performed 12 weeks of training with the NeuroNation MED app, while the control group (CG) served as a waiting group. This interim analysis included the first 50 participants (IG: n = 36; CG: n = 14). The primary outcome was the index score of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Screening Module (S-NAB). Alpha spending resulted in an alpha level of 0.00305 for this interim analysis. This analysis provided preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits of the intervention, with the IG demonstrating a significant improvement in the S-NAB index score (t(35) = 3.17, p = 0.0028, Cohen's d = 0.53). However, ANCOVA revealed no significant group differences between IG and CG in the S-NAB index score (F(1, 47) = 5.39, p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.125). Additionally, the IG showed a significant mean decrease in subjective cognitive failures measured by the CFQ-D (MD = -10.56, SD = 18.82, t(35) = 3.21, p = 0.0029, Cohen's d = 0.53). ANCOVA showed no significant group difference in CFQ-D post-test scores when controlling for pre-test scores (F(1, 47) = 4.81, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.095). Analyzing the full study data is crucial to determine the effectiveness of the NeuroNation MED application for MCI.Trial registrationDRKS00025133, Date of registration: November 5, 2021.

Dataset Information

Use of focused computerized cognitive training (Neuroflex) to improve symptoms in women with persistent chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Use of focused computerized cognitive training (Neuroflex) to improve symptoms in women with persistent chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.

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