Promoting Physical Activity to Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
University of Nebraska
Summary
Cancer and treatment-related cognitive changes, such as thinking or remembering, hinder resumption of normal routine and roles and worsen quality of life. Older adults undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at high-risk for cognitive impairment. Age is a risk factor for Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) and the hematological malignancies leading to HCT. There are shared mechanisms and interactions between AD and cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD). Physical activity improves cognitive function in older adults and survivors of other cancers. This study hypothesizes that increasing physical activity can also improve cognitive function in this vulnerable population. The study has two goals. The first is to adapt and test an evidence-based physical activity intervention, The Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors II (CHAMPS II), in the HCT setting for adults 55 years and older. This will be done using semi-structured interview of up to 10 patients who have experienced the HCT process within the last 3 to 6 months with HCT care-team partners. The second goal will explore the prevalence and impact of AD-neuropathology and inflammation on cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD) in older adults undergoing HCT.
Description
Hematologic malignancies are diseases that primarily affect older adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative and life-prolonging treatment for patients with hematologic malignancies. Cancer and treatment-related cognitive changes cause distress, hinder resumption of normal routine and roles, and worsen quality of life. HCT differs from the delivery of chemotherapy in other cancer settings due to the intensity of chemotherapy and severity of toxicity. Older adults undergoing HCT are at high risk for cognitive decline an…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 19+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Arm 1: Inclusion Criteria for Participants: * age 60 years and older * have a diagnosis of hematological malignancy * have received autologous or allogeneic HCT within the prior 3-6 months * able to speak and read English * have provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria for Participants: * there are no exclusion criteria Inclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner: * age 19 years and older * able to speak and read English Exclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner: * there are no exclusion criteria Inclusion Criteria for Transplant Team Member: * age 19 years…
Interventions
- BehavioralCHAMPS-II adapted to adults 60+ years in HCT setting
CHAMPS-II is an evidence-based physical activity program designed to increase physical activity in sedentary older adults with multiple chronic health conditions. This is an individually tailored program that provides information, skills, training, and problem-solving support to older adults. Participants will engage in progressive, light to moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the HCT process, with the support of physical therapists, physical activity counselors, and their care-partner. They will take part in supervised exercise sessions; unsupervised exercise sessions; counseling sessions to address barriers, motivators, goals, and safety; and receive telephone support. Walking is the primary mode of aerobic activity, with training in flexibility, strengthening and balance exercises also included. An exercise kit will be provided, consisting of an intervention workbook, therapeutic resistance bands, and activity logs.
Location
- University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, Nebraska