Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39924711›Full record

ReviewBrain tumor research and treatment2025

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

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Brain tumor research and treatment, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Obstacles and Trials in Treating Primary Brain Tumors.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Review
  3. Review
  4. Article
  5. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Rabeet TariqSection of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4281-7436
Hafiza Fatima AzizSection of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Shahier ParachaSection of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Nida ZahidSection of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Timothy J AingerDepartment of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Kentucky Neuroscience Institute, Lexington, KY, USA.
Farhan A MirzaKentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI), Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Syed Ather EnamCenter of Oncological Research in Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. ather.enam@aku.edu.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2194-0723

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associated with 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.

methodsThe review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studies on 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.

resultsA total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided training sessions 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.

conclusionNeuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise have been 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.

Indexed as

Brain tumorsCognitive functionsCognitive rehabilitation

Identifiers

PMID39924711
PMCPMC11813561

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.