Dementia as Detected on the Clock Drawing Test in Older Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
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Date
2017-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background/Significance: Dementia is a leading cause of dependence and a common comorbidity in older women who are also diagnosed with breast cancer. Many older women with dementia die within six months of a cancer diagnosis. This project is significant in that many older breast cancer patients are also diagnosed with dementia, which can impact the diagnosis and treatment of the malignancy. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to describe the incidence, demographic characteristics and types of cognitive deficits in older breast cancer patients as detected by administering the clock-drawing test (CDT). The Theoretical framework used for the research is the Health Promotion Model, because many older patients realize they are having cognitive changes and compensate in order to maintain independence as long as possible. Methods: This prospective, descriptive study included women aged 69 years and over with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Any stage of breast cancer and type of treatment were included. The Clock Drawing test (CDT) Results: The mean age (n=42) was 78 years. 25 (59.5%) were diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma with 11% being metastatic. 71.4% (30) patients scored abnormal on the clock drawing test. 22 (52.4%) had spatial/planning deficits and 10 (23.8%) exhibited size difficulties. Six (6) people (14.3%) showed conceptual deficits and five (5) people were found to have perseveration deficits (11.9%). Nine (21.4%) participants were found to have two or more abnormalities in the categories. Conclusion: Dementia screening should be part of the comprehensive physical assessment of the older person diagnosed with cancer due to the amount of patients who screen positive for dementia using the CDT.
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Keywords
dementia, breast cancer, older women, cognitive functioning