Browsing by Author "Crouch, Adele"
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Item Acceptability of computerized cognitive training and global cognitive stimulating-based games delivered remotely: Results from a randomized controlled trial to address cancer and cancer-related cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors(Wiley, 2023) Von Ah, Diane; Crouch, Adele; Storey, Susan; School of NursingBackground: Although the cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common symptom incurred by the breast cancer survivors (BCS), more emphasis is needed in identifying acceptable interventions for survivors. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine the acceptability of cognitive programs by identifying the facilitators and barriers for implementing computerized cognitive training (BrainHQ) and computerized global cognitive stimulating-based games (e.g., computerized word-find, puzzles, etc.) comparator delivered remotely to improve CRCI from the perspective of BCS. Methods: BCS (n = 35) who enrolled and completed a randomized controlled trial of computerized cognitive training: 19 cognitive training (BrainHQ) and 16 global cognitive stimulating-based games (crosswords, puzzles, etc.) were interviewed post-training. Semi-structured questions were used, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analyzed using standard content analytic procedures for each intervention. Results: Facilitators of training varied by intervention with cognitive training seen as challenging, engaging, and gave a sense of accomplishment whereas global stimulating games were seen as a way of taking mind off issues, enjoyable, and easy to navigate. Barriers of cognitive training included an awareness of failing whereas global stimulating games were deemed to be too repetitive. Both groups endorsed the convenience/flexibility of online training and common concerns of time constraints and fatigue to complete the training. Each group also provided recommendations for improvement. Conclusions: Cognitive training and global stimulating games were generally well received by BCS. Designing more support elements to promote engagement may be key to successful long-term implementation.Item Apathy and Anxiety are Related to Poor Function in Persons with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease(Oxford University Press, 2022) Crouch, Adele; Massimo, Lauren; School of NursingNeuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent in persons with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and may contribute to the inability to perform instrumental activities of daily living. We examined associations between frequently observed symptoms in persons with EOAD: apathy, anxiety, depression, and patient function. Caregivers of 94 persons with EOAD completed questionnaires including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Functional Activities Questionnaire. Regression analyses were performed for each neuropsychiatric symptom as a predictor with covariates (age, sex disease duration) and our outcome was patient function. We then performed multivariate analysis with the significant predictors. We observed that apathy explained 20.51% [F(4,68)=5.65, adjusted R2=0.2051; p<0.001], anxiety explained 6.63% [F(4,70)=2.31, adjusted R2=0.0663 p<0.05], and depression was not a significant predictor of patient function. In a multivariate model, apathy and anxiety explained 21.03% [F(5,67)=4.83, adjusted R2=0.2103; p<0.001] of the variance in patient function. These results suggest apathy and anxiety contribute to diminished ability to complete functional activities.Item Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors(Wolters Kluwer, 2023) Von Ah, Diane; Crouch, Adele; Arthur, Elizabeth; Yang, Yesol; Nolan, Timiya; School of NursingBackground: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease [congestive heart failure (CHF) and hypertension (HTN)], which in turn, can affect cognitive dysfunction, a frequent, bothersome, and potentially debilitating symptom. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of cardiovascular disease on cognitive function in BCS. Methods: Baseline data from a double-blind RCT for cognitive training of BCS were examined. Early stage BCS (Stage I-IIIA) who were ≥21 years of age, completed adjuvant therapy (≥ 6 months), and reported cognitive concerns completed questionnaires and a brief neuropsychological assessment, including tests of memory, attention and working memory, speed of processing, and verbal fluency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and separate linear regression models for each cognitive domain were conducted. Results: 47 BCS, who were on average 57.3 (SD=8.1) years old, 58% White and had some college education (75%), completed the study. 44.7% of the BCS had cardiovascular disease (CHF or HTN). In linear regression models, cardiovascular disease was significantly related to immediate and delayed memory and attention and working memory (p<0.01–0.05). Conclusions: BCS who have cardiovascular disease may also be at a greater risk for cognitive dysfunction post-treatment. Results from this study inform both clinical practice and future research, specifically by examining the intersect between cancer, cardiovascular disease (cardiotoxicity), and cognition. Implications for Practice: Nurses should be aware that BCS with co-occurring cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction, and work within the multidisciplinary team to optimize BCS health and function.Item Association between Cognitive Function and Physical Function, Frailty, and Quality of Life in Older Breast Cancer Survivors(MDPI, 2024-07-31) Von Ah, Diane; Rio, Carielle Joy; Carter, Allie; Perkins, Susan M.; Stevens, Erin; Rosko, Ashley; Davenport, Ashley; Kalady, Mathew; Noonan, Anne M.; Crouch, Adele; Storey, Susan; Overcash, Janine; Han, Claire J.; Yang, Yesol; Li, Haiying; Saligan, Leorey N.; Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public HealthBackground: Older cancer survivors in general are at greater risk for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), yet few studies have explored its association with health outcomes. This study examined the association between subjective and objective measures of cognitive function and physical function, frailty, and quality of life (QoL) among older breast cancer survivors. Materials and methods: Older breast cancer survivors who reported cognitive concerns completed surveys on patient-reported cognitive function, physical function, frailty, and QoL as well as objective tests of visuospatial working memory and sustained attention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and separate linear regression models. Results: A total of 219 female breast cancer survivors completed the study. Perceived cognitive abilities were associated with better physical function, frailty, and QoL (p ≤ 0.001) while cognitive concerns were negatively related with these metrics (p ≤ 0.001). Poorer visuospatial working memory and sustained attention were linked to increased frailty (p ≤ 0.001-0.01), whereas poorer sustained attention was associated with poorer physical function (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Older breast cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment and poorer cognitive performance reported poorer physical functioning, increased frailty, and poorer QoL. These findings underscore the importance of assessing cognitive concerns and their associated outcomes in older breast cancer survivors.Item Associations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor rs6265 polymorphism and cognitive function in breast cancer survivors from a cross-sectional study(Wiley, 2024) Goto, Taichi; Saligan, Leorey N.; Li, Xiaobai; Xiang, Lichen; Kwiat, Catherine; Nguyen, Christopher; Crouch, Adele; Von Ah, Diane; School of NursingBackground: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) often complain of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) during and even months after completing primary cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy. The etiology of CRCI is unknown, but associations of CRCI with germline genetic polymorphisms have been reported, including Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) rs6265 polymorphism. The current study investigated the associations of specific BDNF rs6265 with CRCI. Methods: Cancer-related cognitive impairment was assessed using subjective reports of cognitive symptoms (the version 1.0, 8-item short-forms of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®) and computerized objective cognitive function scores (CANTAB®). BDNF rs6265 genotypes were determined from buccal swabs. The associations of specific BDNF rs6265 with CRCI were examined by either one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by post hoc tests and rank-based regression analysis. Results: We examined 356 female BCS. The mean (SD) age was 55.6 (9.8) years old, the median (IQR) years since cancer diagnosis were 4.0 (6.0), and 331 (92.7%) were self-described as White. BCS carrying the Met/Met genotype showed poorer results on ‘visual episodic memory and new learning’ and ‘spatial working memory and executive function.’ This relationship was observed regardless of prior chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that carrying the BDNF rs6265 Met/Met genotype increases the risk for CRCI in BCS. These results are foundational in nature and provide important information to identify mechanisms underpinning CRCI.Item Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Breast Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review(Wolters Kluwer, 2022) Crouch, Adele; Champion, Victoria; Von Ah, Diane; School of NursingBackground: Approximately 60% of the more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors (BCSs) living in the United States are 60 years or older. Breast cancer survivors experience many symptoms including cognitive dysfunction; however, little is known regarding how age affects these symptoms. Objective: This integrative review was conducted to synthesize the literature on cognitive dysfunction in older BCSs. The purpose was to (1) describe the prevalence of objective and subjective cognitive dysfunctions and (2) examine factors associated with cognitive dysfunction in older BCSs. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review methodology was used to examine cognitive dysfunction in BCSs 60 years or older. Results: Twelve quantitative studies were included. Up to 41% of older BCSs experienced cognitive dysfunction on neuropsychological examination, and up to 64% reported cognitive dysfunction on subjective measures pretreatment. Approximately half of older BCSs experienced cognitive decline from pretreatment to posttreatment regardless of cognitive measure. The domains most impacted were memory, executive functioning, and processing speed. Objective and subjective cognitive dysfunctions were associated with age, comorbidities, chemotherapy receipt, sleep, neuropsychological symptom cluster, frailty, and quality of life. Conclusions: Cognitive dysfunction among older BCSs was common both prior to and following treatment. Cognitive dysfunction was associated with multiple factors that are compounded in the aging population and could be detrimental to quality of life and independent living. Implications to practice: Early assessment and intervention by healthcare providers, including nurses, for cognitive dysfunction in older BCSs are essential. Future research should focus on evidence-based interventions for cognitive dysfunction incorporating the unique needs of older BCSs.Item Cognitive Dysfunction Prevalence and Associated Factors in Older Breast Cancer Survivors(Elsevier, 2022) Crouch, Adele; Champion, Victoria L.; Unverzagt, Frederick W.; Pressler, Susan J.; Huber, Lesa; Moser, Lyndsi R.; Cella, David; Von Ah, Diane; School of NursingObjectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with objective and subjective cognitive dysfunction in older breast cancer survivors (BCS). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study leveraged previously collected data from older BCS (n = 335). Separate linear regression models were used to determine relationships between demographic factors (age, education), medical factors (comorbidities), disease factors (time since diagnosis, cancer stage), cancer-related symptoms (depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance) and cognitive dysfunction measures, including objective learning, delayed recall, attention, executive function-working memory, verbal fluency and subjective attentional function. Results: Cognitive dysfunction was prevalent with up to 18.6% of older BCS experiencing mild-moderate dysfunction (1.5 standard deviations below mean of non-cancer controls) in at least one cognitive domain. Poor to moderate subjective attentional function was reported by 26% of older BCS. More depressive symptoms were significantly related to poorer cognitive function including learning (p < .01), delayed recall (p < .05), verbal fluency (p < .001), and subjective attentional function (p < .001) but not attention and executive function-working memory. Age, education, anxiety, and fatigue were also negatively associated with cognitive function in some models (p < .05-0.001). Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunction is common among older BCS and depressive symptoms, anxiety, and fatigue are related factors. Importantly, depressive symptoms were not only related to self-report, but also to cognitive performance. Healthcare providers should be aware of and assess for related factors and cognitive dysfunction itself in older BCS even years after diagnosis and treatment thorough geriatric assessment. Future longitudinal research is needed to discern these relationships.Item Cognitive Rehabilitation for Cognitive Dysfunction after Cancer and Cancer Treatment: Implications for Nursing Practice(Elsevier, 2020-02) Von Ah, Diane; Crouch, Adele; School of NursingObjective To provide an overview of cognitive rehabilitation approaches for cognitive dysfunction after cancer and cancer treatment. Data Sources Review and synthesis of empirical articles. Conclusion Cognitive rehabilitation approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive training, for cognitive dysfunction appear feasible to deliver, satisfactory to participants, and have shown promising results in cancer survivors. Future research is needed to address optimal dose, delivery method, access, cost, and the vulnerable aging cancer survivor population. Implications for Nursing Practice Oncology nurses must understand the available evidence and be able to provide information and options to cancer survivors to address cognitive changes after cancer.Item Comorbidity, cognitive dysfunction, physical functioning, and quality of life in older breast cancer survivors(Springer, 2022-01) Crouch, Adele; Champion, Victoria L.; Von Ah, Diane; School of NursingPurpose: Older breast cancer survivors (BCS) may be at greater risk for cognitive dysfunction and other comorbidities; both of which may be associated with physical and emotional well-being. This study will seek to understand these relationships by examining the association between objective and subjective cognitive dysfunction and physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) and moderated by comorbidities in older BCS. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted on data from 335 BCS (stages I-IIIA) who were ≥ 60 years of age, received chemotherapy, and were 3-8 years post-diagnosis. BCS completed a one-time questionnaire and neuropsychological tests of learning, delayed recall, attention, working memory, and verbal fluency. Descriptive statistics and separate linear regression analyses testing the relationship of each cognitive assessment on physical functioning and QoL controlling for comorbidities were conducted. Results: BCS were on average 69.79 (SD = 3.34) years old and 5.95 (SD = 1.48) years post-diagnosis. Most were stage II (67.7%) at diagnosis, White (93.4%), had at least some college education (51.6%), and reported on average 3 (SD = 1.81) comorbidities. All 6 physical functioning models were significant (p < .001), with more comorbidities and worse subjective attention identified as significantly related to decreased physical functioning. One model found worse subjective attention was related to poorer QoL (p < .001). Objective cognitive function measures were not significantly related to physical functioning or QoL. Conclusions: A greater number of comorbidities and poorer subjective attention were related to poorer outcomes and should be integrated into research seeking to determine predictors of physical functioning and QoL in breast cancer survivors.Item Correlates of Frailty in Older Female Cancer Survivors(Elsevier, 2024) Rio, Carielle Joy; Saligan, Leorey N.; Li, Xiaobai; Crouch, Adele; Von Ah, Diane; School of NursingIntroduction: Cancer survivors are at risk of frailty because of cancer and its treatment. Understanding the factors that increase the risk of frailty is an important aspect of cancer care for the development of interventions to prevent or manage frailty, thus improving cancer survival and overall quality of life of cancer survivors. This study aimed to identify demographic, clinical, and psychosocial correlates of frailty in older, female cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: This is a sub-study focusing on the exploratory aim of a larger cross-sectional study (NURS-IIR-IUSCC-0748). A total of 213 female cancer survivors aged 59–87 years old were included from the parent study in the current analysis. Frailty, the primary outcome, was measured using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale. The independent variables were age, relationship status, clinical stage of cancer, treatment type, comorbidity, depression, affect, optimism, stress, and social support. Stepwise linear regression modeling identified the independent variables that were significantly associated with frailty. Results: The final regression model revealed that high patient-reported stress and depression, comorbidity, not being married or living with a partner, and low positive affect were significantly associated with worsening frailty in this population. Discussion: Understanding the context of frailty is important for the design of interventions that target factors known to be associated with frailty in older cancer survivors. Further validation with a larger and a more diverse sample from a broad spectrum of sociodemographic and clinical population would fully account for the multiple independent variables influencing frailty in cancer survivors.