This study evaluated cognitive functions in oncological patients, considering age and the impact of chemotherapy by means of a descriptive type of research and non-experimental cross-sectional design. With a sample of 10 patients from the Instituto Oncológico Nacional. The Neuropsi Attention and Memory neuropsychological battery, third edition, was used to evaluate cognitive functions.
The results showed that 90% presented severe alteration in the Attention and Memory scale. No significant association was found between age and the state of cognitive functions and the chemotherapy treatment cycle. It is concluded that chemotherapy influences memory and attention, and it is recommended to enlarge the sample and perform longitudinal studies for a better understanding of how cancer and its treatment affect cognitive functions in the long term.