Zeng, Y., Cheng, A. S., & Chan, C. C. (2016). Meta-analysis of the effects of neuropsychological interventions on cognitive function in non–central nervous system cancer survivors. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 15, 424–434.
STUDY PURPOSE: To examine the effects of cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation interventions on cognitive function in adults with non-central nervous system cancers
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Elder care
Three studies tested cognitive training, and six studies tested cognitive rehabilitation. Most studies used waitlist control groups, with intervention durations of one to six months. Outcomes included verbal and/or visual memory (n = 8), executive function (n = 4), attention (n = 6), processing speed (n = 2), language (n = 1), and self-reported cognitive function (n = 9). A moderate-to-high risk of bias was found across studies. Statistical heterogeneity ranged from 0% to 96%. By outcome measure, the number of studies included in each part of the meta-analysis ranged from two to five. Cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation interventions improved immediate (n = 2, WMD = 7.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.07, 15.09], p < 0.05) and delayed (n = 2, WMD = 10.85, 95% CI [4.19, 17.51], p = 0.001) memory at post intervention. Both types of interventions improved verbal learning at post intervention (n = 5, SMD = 0.5, 95% CI [0.19, 0.81], p = 0.001) and follow-up (n = 3, SMD = 0.58, 95% CI [0.19, 0.98], p = 0.004). Cognitive training interventions improved self-reported cognitive function at post intervention (n = 2, SMD = 0.52, 95% CI [0.06, 0.98], p = 0.03) and follow-up (n = 2, SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.08, 1], p = 0.02).
The meta-analysis indicated that both cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation interventions may improve objectively measured memory and verbal learning, whereas cognitive training interventions may improve self-reported cognitive function. No treatment effects were found for executive function, attention, processing speed, or language. The weaknesses of this meta-analysis limit its usefulness in determining the effects of these types of interventions on cognitive function.
Individual-based cognitive training and group-based cognitive rehabilitation may improve objectively measured memory and verbal learning, as well as self-reported cognitive function, in adult survivors of cancer. Because of the small number and weaknesses of included studies, the benefits of these interventions are unclear.