Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention on Memory, Processing Speed, and Executive Function in Women with Breast Cancer

Mousavi, Seyyedeh Mahsa; Hajlou, Nader; Atadokht, Akbar; Basharpour, Sajjad; Roosta, Yousef

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Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention on Memory, Processing Speed, and Executive Function in Women with Breast Cancer

Seyyedeh Mahsa Mousavi

, Nader Hajlou ^*

, Akbar Atadokht

, Sajjad Basharpour

, Yousef Roosta

University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ardabil, Iran , hajloo53@uma.ac.ir

Abstract: (416 Views)

Background and Aim: Cognitive impairment is one of the important consequences of breast cancer and its treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention (CRT) on memory, processing speed, and executive function in women with breast cancer.
Methods: This experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a three-month follow-up and was applied in nature. The statistical population included 30 women with breast cancer in Urmia City in 2024, selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of 15 participants each (cognitive rehabilitation and control). The cognitive rehabilitation program (CRT; 12 weekly 45-minute sessions based on Solberg & Mateer, 2001) was conducted in group format, while the control group remained on a waiting list. Posttest and three-month follow-up assessments were administered to evaluate intervention effects. The instruments included the N-Back Test (working memory), Stroop Test (selective attention and cognitive processing speed), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) (executive function).
Results: The results showed that the CRT intervention significantly improved memory, processing speed, and executive function, such that an increase in correct responses and a decrease in response time and reaction time were observed (p<0.01). The effect size was high for all variables (η²= 0.60-0.68). Conclusion: The findings show that cognitive rehabilitation, as a non-invasive and group-based intervention, can be effectively used in support programs for women with breast cancer and help improve cognitive function and reduce the cognitive consequences of the disease and treatment.

Keywords: Cognitive rehabilitation, memory, processing speed, executive function, breast cancer

Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2025/10/8 | Revised: 2026/06/16 | Accepted: 2026/02/9

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