Early Identification of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Person with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Associations with Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance and Depression

Abstract

[EN]Background/Objectives: Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI) is a frequent and significant complication in cancer patients, involving deficits in memory, attention, and executive functions. Its multifactorial origin includes effects of oncological treatments, psychological factors, and aging—particularly impacting older adults. Early detection through thorough cognitive and psychological evaluation is crucial to optimizing management and maintaining quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study employed a non-probabilistic convenience sampling technique to recruit cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca (Spain) between January 2023 and February 2025. Participants were assessed using validated instruments measuring cognitive function (CFRT), subjective memory failures (MFE-30), anxiety and depression (HADS), and sleep quality (PSQI). Statistical analyses included correlation tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable linear regression models to examine associations among cognitive, psychological, and sleep-related variables. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Participants (mean age 63.18 years) showed a notable presence of subjective memory complaints and mild anxiety/depression symptoms. Cognitive performance correlated negatively with anxiety/depression (ρ = −0.146, p < 0.05) and sleep disturbances (ρ = −0.583, p < 0.001). Sleep quality worsened with increasing age (ρ = 0.583, p < 0.001), and age itself showed significant associations with cognitive decline and psychological symptoms. No significant link was found between anxiety/depression and sleep quality. Conclusions: Findings confirm CRCI as a multifactorial condition influenced by psychological distress, sleep quality, and aging. The study highlights the importance of early, multidimensional cognitive assessment, especially in older patients, to enable timely interventions. Integrating objective and subjective measures alongside emotional and sleep evaluations enhances understanding and management of CRCI, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.