The Effect of Memory and Attention Adaptation Training on Working Memory and Processing Speed in Children Survived from Cancer

The aim of this study was to promote working memory and processing speed in adolescents surviving acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a history of chemotherapy, utilizing a cognitive behavior therapy (MAAT). The study population of this research included 60 adolescents survived from acute lymphoblastic leukemia with chemotherapy history attending Imam Reza outpatient oncology clinic. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention group (experimental group) and waiting list (control group) (n=30 per group). The subjects in the experimental group were provided with 2 months Memory and Attention Adaptation Training. The data was obtained using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-4) in the three stages of pretest, post-test, and follow-up (2 months after post-test). Data analysis was performed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (analysis of covariance) by SPSS software. Results showed significant improvements in the scores of working memory and processing speed in the intervention group (P<0.01). Therefore, it can be said that attention and memory matching training based on cognitive-behavioral approach can be effective on working memory and processing speed of children left with cancer with a history of chemotherapy.