Alzheimer’s and cancer experts collaborate to study chemobrain

Research study will explore possible link with cytokine profiles, differences between men and women

The Smith Alzheimer’s Center and Simmons Cancer Institute are teaming up to better understand the common side effect of “chemobrain,” and why some patients are at higher risk of developing it than others.

Aida Adlimoghaddam, PhD of the Smith Alzheimer’s Center and Krishna Rao, MD of Simmons Cancer Institute received the Team Science Grant to explore the cytokine profiles (proteins that send signals throughout the body) that could contribute to variations in susceptibility to inflammation and cognitive impairment before, during and after chemotherapy.

While it’s known that men and women often have different immune responses, there is not enough research to know whether these differences before chemotherapy can help predict who will be at a higher risk of chemobrain. This proactive strategy may help clinicians detect and address cognitive changes sooner in the treatment process, ultimately improving quality of life and outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

“For many cancer survivors, the end of treatment doesn't mean the end of challenges,” said Dr. Adlimoghaddam, principal investigator. “Chemobrain can affect memory, focus, and daily functioning long after chemotherapy is over.

“What makes this research so important is that we’re not only trying to understand why this happens, but also how it may affect men and women differently. By identifying biological markers like cytokines that are linked to these cognitive changes, we can take the first steps toward predicting who’s most at risk—and ultimately, how to prevent it.”

The two-year research grant will focus on the chemotherapy drug, cisplatin, commonly used to treat head and neck cancers. Researchers will measure and compare inflammation markers (cytokines) before, during and after treatment, test patients’ cognitive abilities, and look for connections between inflammation and cognitive changes.

The phenomenon of chemobrain affects an estimated 75% patients with cancer, characterized by cognitive issues such as focus and memory. While symptoms typically improve within a year, some patients may experience long-term changes.

For Dr. Adlimoghaddam and the Smith Alzheimer’s Center, researching the differences between men and women with Alzheimer’s as well as response to treatment, has been a focus in recent years. It’s estimated ~60% of Alzheimer’s patients are women, and recent studies into reaction of treatment has shown different effectiveness between males and females.

Additional seed grant for Adlimoghaddam

Dr. Adlimoghaddam was also co-investigator on an internal grant at University of Illinois Champaign, leveraging MRI to reveal the biological basis of sex as a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease.