Cohen 2014.
Study name | Effects of meditation on cognitive function and quality of life |
Methods | RCT |
Participants |
Inclusion Criteria
Female breast cancer patients aged 35 to 60 years old, stage I‐III who have undergone chemotherapy (either neoadjuvant or adjuvant) 6 to 60 months prior to recruitment; who are currently undergoing hormone therapy; who report cognitive impairment since starting chemotherapy as assessed by four questions of the FACT‐Cog; able to read and speak English, Spanish or Portuguese; who are all right‐handed (for EEG analysis) and willing to travel to one of two centres for meditation and assessment.
Exclusion Criteria
Diagnosis of a formal thought disorder (e.g. schizophrenia) or neurological disorder known to affect cognitive function; MMSE score of 23 or less; recurrent cancer; neurological/psychological disorder that may interfere with ability to co‐operate with study procedures; factors affecting fMRI and extreme mobility issues and regular meditation practice (at least once a week for the last year). Comparators Wait‐list controls Non‐cancer controls: Women with no history of cancer or prior chemotherapy. Exclusions; taking oestrogen blockers or stimulators, extreme mobility issues or primary caretaker of a cancer patient. Country: USA |
Interventions |
Definition: Tibetan Sound Meditation Materials: CD and instructions for home practice Duration: Twice weekly one‐hour sessions over a 8‐week period Setting: Group‐based setting Personnel: Meditation instructor |
Outcomes | Assessments at baseline and 8 weeks later at end of the intervention period Primary outcome Cognitive function Secondary outcomes Mood, fatigue, QoL, memory and concentration EEG and fMRI |
Starting date | October 2013 |
Contact information | Lorenzo Cohen: lcohen@mdanderson.org |
Notes | Specific measures not reported |