Impact of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Gliomas.

OBJECTIVES: To address the estimated rates of incidence, potential underlying etiologies, and cognitive domains affected from diagnosis and treatment. To describe potential cognitive function interventions.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed.

CONCLUSION: Adults with gliomas report that the most distressing, persistent, and greatest negative impact on their lives relates to the cognitive impairment they experience. However, there are several potential interventions that may prevent cognitive decline during treatment or maintain cognitive function long term.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Awareness of cognitive sequela that adults with gliomas face can lead to early identification, full neurocognitive profiling, and implementation of evidence-based interventions for those experiencing cognitive impairments following cancer treatment.