Caregivers’ Perspectives on Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Chemotherapy

PURPOSE: To explore caregivers' perspectives on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) experiences in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Eight caregivers, including adult children and spouses, of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy from the control arm of a clinical trial were interviewed. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured interviews were conducted at the second, fourth, and seventh cycles of chemotherapy. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analyzed 16 transcripts using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: (a) CRCI experiences, (b) impact of CRCI, (c) CRCI coping strategies, and (d) perceived CRCI-related factors. Caregivers observed changes in memory, concentration, and information processing in their loved ones and developed various strategies to better support or cope with CRCI. In addition, CRCI influenced caregivers' emotions, lives, and relationships with their loved ones. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Caregivers of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia play a vital role in CRCI symptom monitoring. The impact of CRCI on caregivers highlights the importance of supporting caregivers, and the identified coping strategies can provide guidance for future intervention development.