Cognitive rehabilitation in brain tumor patients after neurosurgery

Deficits in cognitive function are common in patients with primary brain tumors. Remarkably few studies have been
directed towards the rehabilitation of the cognitive deficits in brain tumor patients. The purpose of the proposed project is to evaluate the immediate and longterm
effects of cognitive rehabilitation in a prospective randomized trial on neuropsychological test performance and selfreported cognitive symptoms, psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression), fatigue, professional functioning and community integration. In the first 6 months of the project a feasibility study will be conducted to ensure that adherence, patient experience, and
potential attrition are according to our expectations.
Subsequently, a prospective randomized (waitinglist)
controlled trial (RCT) will be performed. In the RCT, patients are randomized to early cognitive rehabilitation (3 months after surgery) or to a waitinglist
control condition. Outcome assessment of cognitive performance and selfreported symptoms/functioning will be prior to surgery, before cognitive rehabilitation (3 months), immediately after cognitive rehabilitation (6 months), and at halfyear follow up (12 months postsurgery), and at similar intervals for the waitinglist
control group.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate and longer-term effects of early cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive performance and self-reported symptoms/functioning in patients with low-grade gliomas and meningiomas, in a prospective randomized trial.

HYPOTHESIS: Cognitive rehabilitation after brain tumor surgery has both immediate and longer-term beneficiary effects on cognitive functioning and patient-reported outcomes.

At several time points during the RCT, patients will be tested with the computerized test battery (for cognition; CNS VS), two additional cognitive tests and several self-report questionnaires. Testing is done prior to surgery, prior to cognitive rehabilitation (3 months), immediately after cognitive rehabilitation (6 months) and at half-year follow up (12 months post-surgery).

Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation program that is provided via a tablet app. The program aims both retraining, and teaching and practicing of compensational strategies of attention, memory and executive functioning. Patients spend 3 hours per week during 2.5 month in a home-based program. They are monitored and supervised by a trainer. The waitinglist control group will be offered the same cognitive rehabilitation program after they have
undergone all study assessments.