Neurocognitive and Family Functioning and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors

• Published in: Clinical neuropsychologist Vol. 25; no. 6; pp. 942 - 962
• Main Authors: Hocking, Matthew C., Hobbie, Wendy L., Deatrick, Janet A., Rabelais, Em, Szabo, Margo M., Volpe, Ellen M., Barakat, Lamia P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Psychology Press 01.08.2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Brain Neoplasms - complications; Brain Neoplasms - mortality; Brain Neoplasms - psychology; Brain tumor; Cognition; Cognition Disorders - etiology; Family - psychology; Family functioning; Female; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Pediatric cancer; Quality of Life; Survivors - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1385-4046; 1744-4144
• DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2011.580284

Many childhood brain tumor survivors experience significant neurocognitive late effects across multiple domains that negatively affect quality of life. A theoretical model of survivorship suggests that family functioning and survivor neurocognitive functioning interact to affect survivor and family outcomes. This paper reviews the types of neurocognitive late effects experienced by survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Quantitative and qualitative data from three case reports of young adult survivors and their mothers are analyzed according to the theoretical model and presented in this paper to illustrate the importance of key factors presented in the model. The influence of age at brain tumor diagnosis, family functioning, and family adaptation to illness on survivor quality of life and family outcomes is highlighted. Future directions for research and clinical care for this vulnerable group of survivors are discussed.