1.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
2.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
3.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
4.Trends in Stroke Presentations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis
Noman ISHAQUE ; Asif Javed BUTT ; Joseph KAMTCHUM-TATUENE ; Ali Zohair NOMANI ; Sarah RAZZAQ ; Nida FATIMA ; Chetan VEKHANDE ; Radhika NAIR ; Naveed AKHTAR ; Khurshid KHAN ; Maher SAQQUR ; Ashfaq SHUAIB
Journal of Stroke 2022;24(1):65-78
Background:
and Purpose There are reports of decline in the rates of acute emergency presentations during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic including stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rates of stroke presentations and on rates of reperfusion therapy.
Methods:
Following the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, we systematically searched the literature for studies reporting changes in stroke presentations and treatment rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aggregated data were pooled using meta-analysis with random-effect models.
Results:
We identified 37 observational studies (n=375,657). Pooled analysis showed decline in rates of all strokes (26.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 22.4 to 29.7) and its subtypes; ischemic (25.3%; 95% CI, 21.0 to 30.0), hemorrhagic (27.6%; 95% CI, 20.4 to 35.5), transient ischemic attacks (41.9%; 95% CI, 34.8 to 49.3), and stroke mimics (45.6%; 95% CI, 33.5 to 58.0) during months of pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period. The decline was most evident for mild symptoms (40% mild vs. 25%–29% moderate/severe). Although rates of intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) decreased during pandemic, the likelihood of being treated with IVT and EVT did not differ between the two periods, both in primary and in comprehensive stroke centers (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.24 and OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09, respectively).
Conclusions
Rates of all strokes types decreased significantly during pandemic. It is of paramount importance that general population should be educated to seek medical care immediately for stroke-like symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. Whether delay in initiation of secondary prevention would affect eventual stroke outcomes in the long run needs further study.
5.Improving Emotional Dysregulation and Well-Being among Visually Challenged Adolescents: Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Nida Riaz ; Hina Iram ; Amna Hassan ; Nazia Iqba ; Laulaak Fatima
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2022;23(no. 1):1-15
The current study aimed to determine efficacy of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the emotional dysregulation and mental health of visually impaired adolescents. In a quantitative pre-post design, a purposive convenient sample of seven visually impaired adolescents with age range of 18 to 23 was recruited. Difficulties in emotion regulation scale were used to recruit the participants. After baseline assessment participants were subjected to six individual sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy. One week after the completion of intervention phase post test scores were obtained. A paired sample t-test and Reliable Change Index were applied. Results showed that there was significant difference of emotion dysregulation and mental health. Individual analyses were also performed. Tau-u statistics showed that ACT is an effective approach to enhance emotion dysregulation and mental health issues in visually impaired adolescent. The results of the study have important implications for clinical practitioners.