Effects of chemotherapy on memory
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes
IRAS ID
133827
Contact name
Oana C Mereuta
Contact email
Research summary
Our first study focused on the evaluation of cognitive performance through a comprehensive battery of tests looking at many aspects of memory, attention, and problem solving, and a newly designed memory test. Our preliminary data, suggests the presence of memory problems. The data we have already acquired helped us identify cognitive problems due to chemotherapy, but are far from conclusive in describing the mechanisms of the memory impairments. \nSpecifically, memory is thought to be controlled by two regions of the brain. It is possible to distinguish between them with sensitive memory tests and recording of the brain’s electrical potential along the scalp, with the use of the electroencephalography (EEG). It is not yet clearly known whether the memory impairments are stand-alone or triggered by underlying distress or attention impairments. To this end, we will administer a 15-minute battery of neuropsychological tests, alongside a very sensitive memory test that triggers specific EEG electrical signals. \nWe will compare two groups of participants: a chemotherapy-exposed group who has completed treatment for lymphoma, and a group of healthy participants from the general population, who will be matched for gender, age, and education. \nThis method has previously been employed with other vulnerable groups with success (for an example, see Addante, Ranganath, Olichney & Yonelinas, 2012). The testing method has also reviewed by the academic supervisors and an external reviewer. \nImportantly, the participants that will be tested with this method will not also undergo the other tests that participants up to this point have undertaken, so as not to increase the length of the testing unnecessarily.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0622
Date of REC Opinion
10 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion