The role of cognitive reserve in moderating the cognitive effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer

Abstract

The effect of cancer treatments in cognition has been a matter of scientifical debate for several years. An early identification of risk/protective factors that may interact with this cognitive impact could lead to better quality of life during and after oncological treatments. Cognitive reserve is a factor mostly known in the neuro degenerative context as a moderating factor between brain pathology and its clinical manifestations. Although already studied in the oncological context, there is no record that a more comprehensive assessment model for Cognitive Reserve has been used. CRIq is a socio-behavioral questionnaire that estimates an individual's level of cognitive reserve by collecting information related to their entire adult life.The main objective of this work is to assess the differences in cognitive functioning,through the neuropsychological performance, before treatment and six months after its beginning, as well as to understand the role of cognitive reserve as a moderator factor of these possible changes.Thirty-two women diagnosed with early breast cancer and indicated for chemotherapy treatment were recruited. Results showed a significant relationship between cognitive reserve and cognitive functioning prior to chemotherapy, but this effect was not seen at 6 months. There were no cognitive changes between the two moments; however, there was an improvement in performance in three cognitive measures at six months compared to the first assessment. Other cognitive reserve factors may interact with cognitive functioning than those assessed in the CRIq and practice effects may have been involved in the cognitive performance improvement.

Date of Award	1 Oct 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Vânia Silva Nunes (Supervisor) & Raquel Lemos (Co-Supervisor)