Mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive function among breast cancer survivors: a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to systematically review the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on cognitive function among breast cancer survivors.
Results Summary
The review found mixed results, with two studies showing no association, two showing short-term improvement, and two showing sustained cognitive improvement at follow-up. The studies lacked consistency in cognitive domains and assessment measures.
Population
Breast cancer survivors
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Varied (follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 6 months)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | cognitive function | the general population | - | have been shown to improve | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions | no change | cognitive function | breast cancer survivors | - | found no association | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | cognitive function | breast cancer survivors | - | found improvement that was not sustained at the follow-up | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | cognitive function | breast cancer survivors | - | found sustained improvement at 2- or 6-months | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | cognition | breast cancer survivors | - | have shown some evidence for improving | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors have an elevated risk of cognitive impairment compared to age-matched women without cancer. Causes of this impairment are complex, including both treatment and psychological factors. Mindfulness-based interventions, which have been shown to improve cognitive function in the general population, may be one approach to mitigate cognitive impairment in this survivor population. Our objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of studies on the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on cognition among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted searches of three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) in September 2017 for studies pertaining mindfulness and cognitive function among breast cancer survivors. Abstracts were manually searched by two reviewers and additional articles were identified through reference lists. RESULTS: A total of 226 articles were identified through our systematic search and six met inclusion criteria for this review. The reviewed studies lacked consistency in terms of the cognition domains studied (e.g. executive function, recent memory, etc) and in the measures used to assess cognition. Of the included studies, two found no association between mindfulness interventions and cognitive function, two found improvement that was not sustained at the follow-up, and another two found sustained improvement at 2- or 6-months. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based interventions have shown some evidence for improving cognition among breast cancer survivors, but further research using validated and comprehensive cognitive assessments is needed. More research is also needed related to the timing, duration and content of mindfulness interventions.