Non-CNS cancer and its treatment have been shown to affect memory in survivors, which is both objectively measurable and self-reported by patients. However, the traditional memory sum score measurement grants little insight into which memory processes are specifically impaired. The current research used a computerized visual-presentation version of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, which is part of the Amsterdam Cognition Scan, to gather more detailed and precise data on test performance. Participants of this study were cancer survivors who received treatment (n=187), and non-cancer controls (n=204). We analyzed these data through various hierarchical Bayesian cognitive models, with the goal to disentangle general performance metrics into more theoretically meaningful concepts. Results indicate that the memory processes in cancer patients are not generally impaired across all functions, but rather selectively impaired in 'memory retrieval' processes. There seemed to be no significant issues with patients in 'learning' or 'storage' processes.

A considerable number of non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer survivors face long-term cognitive impairments after successful treatment, which affects various domains of cognition. Two tests used to measure working memory and attention are the digit span forward and digit span backwards, which were computerized to assess cognitive deficits in cancer survivors. We aim to investigate which cognitive processes are impaired in cancer survivors, by separating the various processes measured in the digit span tests. To this end, we formulate a hierarchical Bayesian cognitive process model which uses raw input data from the digit span and identifies metrics of working memory capacity, attentional control, and executive control. We compare these outcomes between non-CNS cancer survivors and healthy controls, to better localize which processes are affected by cancer and its treatment. Formal modeling allows for the extraction of more precise information in describing the cognitive deficits faced by patients.