Article Tools REVIEW ARTICLES Caring for Older Adults With Cancer Article Tools OPTIONS & TOOLS Export Citation Track Citation Add To Favorites Rights & Permissions COMPANION ARTICLES No companion articles ARTICLE CITATION DOI: 10.1200/JCO.21.00239 Journal of Clinical Oncology - published online before print May 27, 2021 PMID: 34043437 Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Cancer: Assessment, Management, and Research Opportunities Allison Magnuson , DO, MS1xAllison MagnusonSearch for articles by this author; Tim Ahles, PhD2xTim AhlesSearch for articles by this author; Bihong T. Chen , MD, PhD3xBihong T. ChenSearch for articles by this author; Jeanne Mandelblatt , MD4xJeanne MandelblattSearch for articles by this author; and Michelle C. Janelsins , PhD, MS5xMichelle C. JanelsinsSearch for articles by this author Show More 1Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY2Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY3Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA4Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Control Program, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC5Department of Surgery, Cancer Control, University of Rochester Medical Center, Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.21.00239 First Page Full Text PDF Figures and Tables © 2021 by American Society of Clinical OncologyCONTEXTKey ObjectiveWhat are the methods for assessing cognitive function and managing cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD) in older adults?Knowledge GeneratedNational guidelines recommend validated tools to assess cognitive function and screen older adults with cancer for cognitive problems, including self-report scales, performance-based measures, or a combination of both. Risk factors for the development of CRCD in older adults include low cognitive reserve, comorbidities, and frailty, and a growing body of literature suggests benefit for CRCD interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation approaches and physical activity, but further evidence in the older adult population is needed.RelevanceCognitive function is critical for an older patient's ability to conduct daily activities and maintain independence. Evaluating cognitive function may help inform older patients and their oncologists about the risks of CRCD, provide monitoring for early detection of CRCD, and allow an opportunity to intervene to optimize cognitive function.SUPPORTSupported in part by the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA), Beeson Career Development Award (K76 AG064394 to A.M.), and NIH National Cancer Institute (R01CA129769, R01AG068193, and R35CA197289 to J.M.; R01 CA218496, U54 CA137788, and P30 CA 008748 to T.A., and R01CA231014 and R01CA249467 to M.C.J.).AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONSConception and design: All authorsCollection and assembly of data: All authorsData analysis and interpretation: All authorsManuscript writing: All authorsFinal approval of manuscript: All authorsAccountable for all aspects of the work: All authorsAUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTCognitive Function in Older Adults with Cancer: Assessment, Management, and Research OpportunitiesThe following represents disclosure information provided by the authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated unless otherwise noted. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/authors/author-center.Open Payments is a public database containing information reported by companies about payments made to US-licensed physicians (Open Payments).Michelle C. JanelsinsConsulting or Advisory Role: Charles River AnalyticsNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.