Cognitive functions of children with brain tumor in the treatment process

Abstract

Introduction This study assesses the cognitive functions of children with brain tumor, including orientation, spatial perception, praxis, visuomotor constructions and thinking operations. The aim of the study was to assess the cognitive functions of children with brain tumor in the treatment process and the effects of different treatments on cognitive functionality. Method Cognitive functions of children with brain tumor ( n = 102) and children with typical development ( n = 90) were assessed with the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Assessment for Children. Children with brain tumor were divided into four subgroups according to the treatment they received. Multiple comparisons were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and binary comparisons were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results Cognitive functions of children with brain tumor were weaker than children with typical development. Children who received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and both chemotherapy and radiotherapy had weaker cognitive functions. Conclusions Children with brain tumor whose treatment process is continuing are cognitively affected and their occupational performance in daily living tasks is weakened. In these children, cognitive- and occupation-based early intervention approaches should be developed and implemented. Especially when children start receiving radiotherapy, it may also be useful to start cognitive occupational therapy programs simultaneously for preserving children’s cognitive functionality.

Ensemble learning based functional independence ability estimator for pediatric brain tumor survivors

“…Studies have indicated that children with a history of brain tumor have a high risk of cognitive disability, particularly in terms of processing speed, executive functions, memorization, and focus. 10,12,[51][52][53][54] This influences their cognitive function, and results in poor occupational performance. 12 Most studies have explored the correlation between neurocognition assessments and the cognitive abilities of patients with CBT.…”

“…10,12,[51][52][53][54] This influences their cognitive function, and results in poor occupational performance. 12 Most studies have explored the correlation between neurocognition assessments and the cognitive abilities of patients with CBT. Few have explored whether damage to a tumor site or pharmacotherapy affect quality of life and functional performance for patients with CBT.…”

“…Therefore, the early recognition of cognitive function disability is crucial to providing timely intervention and preventing the rare occurrence of secondary behaviors in the patient's daily life and psychological trauma. 12 The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition (WISC-IV) is the gold standard for assessing the intellectual ability of children aged 6-16 years. The WISC-IV employs four indices, namely the verbal comprehension index (VCI), processing speed index (PSI), working memory index (WMI), and perceptual reasoning index (PRI) 13 to assess patients, devise clinical treatment plans, and guide educational and nursing plans for gifted children and those with mental and learning disabilities.…”

“…Therefore, the early recognition of cognitive function disability is crucial to providing timely intervention and preventing the rare occurrence of secondary behaviors in the patient’s daily life and psychological trauma. 12…”

Investigation of cognitive functions in children with bone tumours and lymphoma in treatment process

“…Radiotherapy is considered the primary cause of neurological complications and neurocognitive decline in children with cancer (Mabbott et al, 2005). In this respect, it is clearly stated in the literature that children with a brain tumour and leukaemia diagnosis, which are frequently seen in childhood and treated with intense radiation therapy, have neurocognitive deficits (Mavrea et al, 2021; Önal & Huri, 2021).…”