Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Cognitive Aging Research

Researcher(s):

James Root, PhD, and Tim Ahles, PhD, Principal Investigators
Kathleen Flaherty, Research Project Associate

 

Summary/Abstract:

Breast cancer treatments may have an impact on how the brain processes information and emotions as well as on a person’s attention span and behavior. To better understand and measure these changes, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are conducting a study called Changes in Thinking Related to Aging and Cancer in Breast Cancer Survivors (TRAC). The purpose of this study is to look at how differences in cognitive (mental) function develop over time in breast cancer survivors compared to volunteers without a history of cancer.

What does participation involve?

Study participants will complete one, approximately 2.5 hour visit remotely. You will be asked to take tests designed to evaluate your cognition. You will complete:

  • Reading, word association, memory, and attention tests. These tests will involve interviews, questionnaires, and computer-based measures.
  • Online questionnaires. You may complete the questionnaires before your study visit to reduce the length of your virtual visit, or a staff member can do them over the phone/video call with you.
  • An at-home saliva and urine sample kit.

Participants will receive an electronic gift card compensation for their time.

Must be:

You can sign up for this study if you match all of these main criteria. Please read this list carefully to make sure they apply to you. 

  • You are a woman aged 65 to 80 years old. 
  • You either 1) have a history of breast cancer that was diagnosed when you were between 55-60 years of age OR 2) do not have any history of any cancer (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer) or chemotherapy/radiation treatment.
  • You are able to read and speak English.
  • You have access to a computer and internet connectivity

Where/Location?

US (Virtual)

How to sign up for this study:

After you RSVP and if you are eligible, the research team will follow up with you for next steps in the study. RSVP at the link below:

https://redcap.link/MSKTRACStudy