Full Title
Neural and Cognitive Mechanisms of Attention and Memory Deficits in Cancer SurvivorsPurpose
Cancer survivors often have cognitive (mental) changes after cancer treatment, including problems processing information (impaired thinking), memory, and attention. They and others may think these problems are due to a breakdown in memory that happens during the course of cancer treatment. However, recent studies have suggested that forgetfulness and other cognitive changes may be due to attention difficulties that prevent cancer survivors from successfully learning new information.
Researchers are doing this study to observe attention and memory processes in women who have survived breast cancer. They will use electroencephalography (EEG) to assess attention problems (deficits) in cancer survivors and see if these deficits affect survivors’ ability to learn new information. An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small metal discs (electrodes) attached to a cap that the person wears. Another purpose of this study is to look at whether cancer survivors are able to detect their own attention deficits and errors while they are participating in the learning process.
Both breast cancer survivors and healthy volunteers (who are the same age as the cancer survivors) will participate in this study so investigators can compare the results of testing in each group of participants.
Who Can Join
This study will include:
- Female survivors of stage 0-III breast cancer, ages 50-70, who completed treatment for their cancer at least 1 year before entering the study.
- Healthy female volunteers ages 50-70 with no history of cancer.
For more information about this study, please contact Dr. James Root at 646-888-0035.