The Henneghan Lab

Henneghan Lab Highlight - A randomized control trial of meditation compared to music listening to improve cognitive function for breast cancer survivors: Feasibility and acceptability

While there are no “cures” for cancer-related cognitive impairments, there are evidence based treatments to reduce impairments and enhance cognitive health during and following cancer treatment. In this study, we pilot tested 2 behavioral interventions (meditation and music listening) to evaluate their effects on cognitive function and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. We found significant improvements in cognitive function and additional psychological improvement (lower stress) in those that listen to music. Both interventions were easy to learn, low cost, and required just 12 min/day for 8 weeks.

These findings were published in the journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, and the abstract and full text are freely available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32949954/

Henneghan Lab Highlight - Identifying cytokine predictors of cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors up to 10 years post chemotherapy using machine learning

There is not one cause of cancer-related cognitive impairments, rather there are multiple underlying biological and neurological mechanisms. In this study, we examined mechanisms of inflammation and how they predict various cognitive functions in a group of 66 breast cancer survivors. The women in this study were between 6 months and 10 years from their treatment completion and on average 49 years old. We measured a profile of 13 cytokines (proteins involved in the inflammatory system) and administered instruments and tests to assess cognitive function. We analyzed data using machine learning and found that there were unique cytokine predictors of each of the cognitive tests of verbal fluency, memory, and executive function. Our findings suggest that different inflammatory factors may play a role in the different types of cognitive dysfunction following breast cancer treatment. The abstract and full text of this study that was published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6030687/

Interventions to Manage Cancer-Related Cognitive Symptoms: Boost Your Brain with Exercise! 🧠🏃‍♀️

Cardio and aerobic activities are linked to better cognitive function in both humans and animals. Research shows that exercise enhances cognitive function in healthy older adults, those with cognitive impairments, and cancer survivors. Regular exercise also improves brain health, sleep, and emotional regulation.

For more of our resources, follow this link!
https://nursing.utexas.edu/researh/hl/resources