Development of a self-management intervention for memory changes linked to androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Abstract

Cognitive changes related to cancer treatment are a growing research area. Much research has focused on the cognitive effects of chemotherapy in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a hormone treatment for prostate cancer and is linked to altered cognition, including memory changes, which can have detrimental effects on quality of life (QOL). Currently, there is a lack of research on interventions and guidance for cognitive changes in this population. The aim was to develop an intervention to support men with memory changes associated with ADT. The Intervention Mapping framework guided intervention development through a series of steps 1) developing a logic model of the problem; 2) defining the outcomes and objectives of the intervention and developing a logic model of change; 3) designing the intervention; and 4) producing the intervention. The intervention developed was a self-management booklet called MEMORY MANager. The booklet includes information and practical tasks and comprises 6 sections: (1) information about the booklet; (2) information about the link between memory changes and ADT; (3) self-assessing memory changes; (4) managing the emotional impact of memory changes; (5) compensating for memory changes; and (6) planning how to manage memory changes in daily life. Ultimate goals of the intervention are to reduce self-reported memory complaints and improve QOL. The intervention was found to be an acceptable means of supporting men with memory changes linked to hormone treatment. This booklet could be useful to healthcare professionals and patients as a way of improving QOL among men who undergo ADT. Next steps are to develop a plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the booklet and its implementation. This is the first reported self-management intervention developed for managing cognitive changes in men who undergo ADT. It is also the first reported application of intervention mapping for managing cancer treatment related cognitive changes. Although preliminary findings appear promising, more research is needed to evaluate the intervention and its implementation.