title: Proposed mechanisms for cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the proposed mechanisms of cognitive changes associated with non-central nervous system cancers and cancer treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review and synthesis of databased publications and review articles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Proposed mechanisms include cytokine upregulation, hormonal changes, neurotransmitter dysregulation, attentional fatigue, genetic predisposition, and comorbid symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oncology nurses need to understand the multiple mechanisms that may contribute to the development of cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes so that they can identify patients at high risk and help patients understand why these changes occur.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Merriman
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Von Ah
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miaskowski
authors.forename: Bradley E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Aouizerat
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Cognition; cancer; cytokines; inflammation; neurotransmitters