Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: Strategies and Support
Dr. Topalian will share what cancer-related cognitive impairment (chemo-brain) is, what it means for patients, and strategies on how to best live with it.
Mary introduces the event's agenda and featured speaker Dr. Alique Topalian.
Dr. Topalian shares what cancer-related cognitive impairment (chemo-brain) is and shares strategies and support to help patients best live with it.
Type your questions in the chat and Dr. Topalian will answer them!
Mary Arnett
Mary joined HealthTree in 2022 as a part of HealthTree's team to help expand into all blood cancers. She now works as HealthTree's Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, helping to engage and involve community members in HealthTree's mission. When she isn't working, she loves being the fun aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews, attending concerts, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to explore new cities.
Alique Topalian
Alique Topalian is a 2-time cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed with AML in 1998 at age 4 and relapsed in March of 2021 at age 27. She is now in remission and using her voice to passionately raise awareness about the unique needs of cancer patients. At age 7, she began to advocate for childhood cancers and raise awareness about bone marrow and cord blood donation. Since 2000, she has been the mascot, spokesperson, and fundraiser for the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry. Her experience with childhood cancer inspired her to obtain a Master’s in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Education completing her degree in 2020. Her research focused on mental and behavioral health examining protective factors and resiliency. Little did she know that in March of 2021 she would relapse with AML, the first person to ever relapse after 22 years. During her time in active treatment, she used every opportunity to network, participate in psychosocial programming, and educate herself on resources available to patients in all stages of treatment. Since her relapse, Alique is speaking at national and local conferences, using social media and other forms of communication to give AYA cancer patients a voice. Alique was selected as a 2022 recipient of the 40 Under 40 in Cancer award. She is sharing her recent experience with The University of Cincinnati as a Research Scientist to research patient experience, AYAs, and survivorship. Her life’s focus and passion have grown as a result of her relapse and she is determined to improve the lives of others.