Coping with Attention, Learning and Memory Problems after Transplant 2021

Summary: Many patients experience cognitive problems after a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant. Cognitive problems include changes in the way a person receives, processes and retains information, and organizational skills. The problems may be temporary or long-term. There are interventions that can help patients improve cognitive functioning after transplant. This presentation describes the causes and symptoms of cognitive impairments and appropriate remedies. Learn how memory, attention and learning challenges can affect life after transplant and strategies to manage them.

Presenter: Shelli Kesler PhD, Associate Professor, Co-Chair of Survivorship and Supportive Care Research, Livestrong Cancer Institute, The University of Texas at Austin. Meet Dr. Kesler: https://cco.oden.utexas.edu/members/k...

To read the transcript, go to: https://www.bmtinfonet.org/video/copi...

Highlights:

- About 40% of transplant patients will have long-term cognitive impairment. The good news is that the brain is a plastic organ that can create new brain cells.
- Evidence from research on brain functioning and cognitive impairment has identified four types of interventions that can improve cognitive functioning after transplant.
- Physical exercise and mental stimulation are the best “medicine” for cognitive health especially when these activities are done on a regular, scheduled basis.

Presented at the 2021 Celebrating Life a Second Chance at Life Virtual Symposium, April 17-23, 2021.
Presentation is 35 minutes long with 23 minutes of Q & A.

Key Points:

(02:51) “Chemo brain” is not an accurate term because cognitive problems can arise from many other aspects of treatment like the underlying disease, irradiation, or medications.


(05:11) Some risk factors for cognitive problems are non-modifiable due to genetics, disease severity, or treatment intensity.

(06:44) Other risk factors can be modified by reducing stress, improving sleep, and becoming more active.

(07:32) Chronic illness, chemotherapy and radiation cause inflammation that can be toxic to the brain.

(08:50) Brain MRI scans can reveal lower brain volumes and reduced gray matter after transplant.

(11:06) Cognitive functioning can be assessed with neuropsychological measures, although these tests have limitations that also need to be recognized.

(15:28) Physical activity is by far the most important remedy for cognitive impairments and can improve heart health and many functional capacities.

(19:53) Computerized cognitive training programs are helpful for some patients, as is “active journaling” which engages multiple cognitive skills.

(27:02) Cognitive rehab is a more formal, in-clinic program provided by occupational therapists or other specialists. It can teach compensatory strategies for cognitive challenges while the brain recovers.

(30:43) There are medications and supplements for cognitive impairment that help some people but they have side effects and clinical trials show mixed results.

Meet the speaker: https://cco.oden.utexas.edu/members/k...

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