Estrategias y técnicas de rehabilitación cognitiva en pacientes oncológicos: revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Cognitive impairment associated an increasingly significant issue in the comprehensive care of oncology patients. Known as “chemobrain”, it involves abnormalities in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, processing speed, language, and executive functioning. These impairments can appear before, during or after treatment, negatively impacting autonomy and quality of life. Research indicates that the impairment is not solely caused by chemotherapy, but also by other factors, like systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and tumor characteristics. Additionally, individual variables such as age, educational level, genetic vulnerability, emotional state, influence the severity and duration of cognitive decline. Given this complexity, the present study reviews evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation techniques for cancer patients and caregivers. It also proposes a micro program designed to address cognitive deterioration, grounded in oncology, cognitive impairment, and neuropsychological rehabilitation.