Use of Occupational Therapy Cognitive Retraining for Reducing Chemo Brain and its Impact on Quality of Life in a Breast Cancer Patient – A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: The most common Cancer and the leading cause of death is Breast Cancer which has been exceeded Cervical cancer and Oral cavity cancer. Research suggests that 30-60% of having breast cancer will suffer from cognitive impairment or Chemo brain as an adverse effect of cancer treatment. Chemo brain has been defined as subtle, yet persistent mild mental dysfunctions often experienced following chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The mild cognitive deficits related to Chemo brain are trouble in memory, concentration and thinking, which are indistinct and difficult to measure and this impacts the individual’s daily living, their health status, job performance and wellbeing.

Objectives: The Objective of the study are to find out the use of Occupational Therapy Cognitive Retraining for reducing Chemo brain and to analyse its impact on Quality of Life.

Methods: Out of 7 Breast cancer patients screened one patient was selected who met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Written informed consent was obtained from them. The pre-test and post-test were taken using the outcome measure. Participant underwent Occupational Therapy Cognitive Retraining for 12 sessions. The pre-test and post-test scores were compared for the results.

Results: Results shows that through Occupational Therapy Cognitive Retraining there was increase in the score of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) which implies reduction in the level of Chemo brain symptoms and it has a positive impact on Quality of Life.

Conclusions: Occupational Therapy Cognitive Retraining was effective in reducing Chemo brain and it has a positive impact on Quality of Life.