Kesler, S., Hadi Hosseini, S.M., Heckler, C., Janelsins, M., Palesh, O., Mustian, K., & Morrow, G. (2013). Cognitive training for improving executive function in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors. Clinical Breast Cancer, 13, 299-306.
To test the feasibility and effectiveness of a computerized home-based cognitive intervention program
Subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention group or a wait-list control group. The intervention was a 12-week computerized training program (Lumos Labs) using the subjects' home computers. It included 48 sessions that were 20-30 minutes long, involving combinations of 13 exercises to improve executive function. Subjects were assigned five exercises to complete four times per week. Exercises were designed for practice and training in cognitive flexibility, working memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. Completion, duration and performance of exercises were recorded in the computer system, providing an adherence measure. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and within three days of intervention completion; wait-list controls had pre-post measures taken 12 weeks apart.
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
Randomized controlled trial
There was 95% compliance with the training program. The intervention group had significant improvement as shown by Cohen’s d, the WCST (EF = 0.58, P = .008), the Letter Fluency Test (EF = 0.82, P = .003), and symbol search (EF = 0.87, P = .009). While there were no significant effects of age, education, radiation, or hormonal treatment, presence of depressive symptoms had a significant effect on self-reported global executive function.
This approach for training and home-based exercises is feasible, and compliance was high. The program was effective for improving some components of executive function. Further study with longitudinal measures is warranted to demonstrate maintained improvements in cognitive function after program completion or if continued program use is needed to maintain any improvements.
The commercially available computerized “brain training” program studied here improved components of executive function after 12 weeks. This approach was associated with high patient compliance. Nurses can suggest that patients complaining of cognitive impairment consider trying this program.