Key result
Breast cancer survivors with cardiovascular disease had significantly lower immediate memory scores compared to those without cardiovascular disease (7.17 vs 9.75, p=0.003).
Why the study?
Breast cancer survivors may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, which in turn can affect cognitive dysfunction, prompting examination of this relationship.
Does the presence of cardiovascular disease worsen cognitive function in early-stage breast cancer survivors?
Cross-Sectional (n=47)
Single-blind
Does the presence of cardiovascular disease worsen cognitive function in early-stage breast cancer survivors?
Absolute Event Rate: 7.17% vs 9.75%
p-value: p=0.003
In early-stage breast cancer survivors, co-occurring cardiovascular disease is associated with worse performance on objective tests of memory and attention.
CVD may worsen memory in breast cancer survivors; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective studies before practice change.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure and hypertension), 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 BCSs. METHODS: Baseline data from a double-blind randomized controlled trial for cognitive training of BCSs were examined. Early-stage BCS (stages I-IIIA) who were 21 years or older, 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 correlation coefficient, and separate linear regression models for each cognitive domain were conducted. RESULTS: Forty-seven BCSs, who were on average 57.3 (SD, 8.1) years old, were 58% White, and had some college education (75%), completed the study. Furthermore, 44.7% of the BCS had cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure or hypertension). In linear regression models, cardiovascular disease was significantly related to immediate and delayed memory and attention and working memory ( P < .01-.05). CONCLUSION: Breast cancer survivors 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 intersection between cancer, cardiovascular disease (cardiotoxicity), and cognition. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should be aware that BCSs with co-occurring cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk for cognitive dysfunction and work within the multidisciplinary team to optimize BCS health and function.
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Ah et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Breast cancer survivors with cognitive concerns (n=47). Cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure or hypertension) vs. No cardiovascular disease was evaluated on Immediate memory score (Rivermead Behavioral Paragraph Recall Test) (p=0.003). Breast cancer survivors with cardiovascular disease had significantly lower immediate memory scores compared to those without cardiovascular disease (7.17 vs 9.75, p=0.003).
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