Sensory filtering and sensory memory in breast cancer survivors Journal Article


Authors: Melara, R. D.; Root, J. C.; Bibi, R.; Ahles, T. A.
Article Title: Sensory filtering and sensory memory in breast cancer survivors
Abstract: Survivors of breast and other cancers often report protracted difficulty in performing tasks involving concentration and memory, even years after the completion of treatment. The current study investigated whether cancer and treatment history is associated with deficits in sensory filtering (gating out) and sensory memory (gating in), early processes in stimulus processing that may contribute to difficulties in later remembering. A group of breast cancer survivors and age-matched healthy control participants (mean age 54 years) underwent testing with paired-click and oddball tasks while electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were recorded. The survivors showed relatively poor inhibition of redundant sensory stimulation (P50 suppression). Dipole source analysis localized the survivors’ impairment to the hippocampus, with preservation of function in gating mechanisms of the frontal lobe and auditory cortex. Survivors also showed disruption to sensory memory processes needed to register novel information in an otherwise uniform auditory environment (mismatch negativity). The findings suggest that survivors experience deficits in early, automatic mechanisms of sensory gating, which may trigger a cascade of later perceived attentional and memory deficits. If our account is accurate, ideal therapies might aim to restore early inhibitory processes, such as those gauged by P50 suppression. © EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS) 2020.
Keywords: electroencephalography; cancer survivors; dipole source analysis; mismatch negativity; p50 suppression; sensory gating; sensory memory
Journal Title: Clinical EEG and Neuroscience
Volume: 52
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1550-0594
Publisher: Sage Publications  
Date Published: 2021-07-01
Start Page: 246
End Page: 253
Language: English
DOI: 10.1177/1550059420971120
PUBMED: 33167713
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC9152732
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 June 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Tim A Ahles
    182 Ahles
  2. James Charles Root
    113 Root