Moderate Physical Activity Mediates the Association between White Matter Lesion Volume and Memory Recall in Breast Cancer Survivors
Date
2016-02
Authors
Cooke, Gillian E.
Wetter, Nathan
Banducci, Sarah E.
Mackenzie, Michael J.
Zuniga, Krystle E.
Awick, Elizabeth A.
Roberts, Sarah A.
Sutton, Brad P.
McAuley, Edward
Kramer, Arthur
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Increased survival rates among breast cancer patients have drawn significant attention to consequences of both the presence of cancer, and the subsequent treatment-related impact on the brain. The incidence of breast cancer and the effects of treatment often result in alterations in the microstructure of white matter and impaired cognitive functioning. However, physical activity is proving to be a successful modifiable lifestyle factor in many studies that could prove beneficial to breast cancer survivors. This study investigates the link between white matter lesion volume, moderate physical activity, and cognition in breast cancer survivors following treatment compared to non-cancer age-matched controls. Results revealed that brain structure significantly predicted cognitive function via mediation of physical activity in breast cancer survivors. Overall, the study provided preliminary evidence suggesting moderate physical activity may help reduce the treatment related risks associated with breast cancer, including changes to WM integrity and cognitive impairment.
Description
Keywords
physical activity, breast cancer, memory recall, white matter, lesion volume, Family and Consumer Sciences
Citation
Cooke, G. E., Wetter, N. C., Banducci, S. E., Mackenzie, M. J., Zuniga, K. E., Awick, E. A., Roberts, S. A., Sutton, B. P., McAuley, E., & Kramer, A. F. (2016) Moderate physical activity mediates the association between white matter lesion volume and memory recall in breast cancer survivors. PLoS ONE, 11(2): e0149552.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2016 Cooke et al.
Rights License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.