Grantee: Susan K. Schultz

Susan K. Schultz, MD

• University of Iowa

Dr. Schultz is passionate about learning ways for our aging population to preserve cognitive skills into the later years and enjoy the greatest possible quality of life, despite conditions such as cancer and other medical comorbidities. She has worked with patients across the range of conditions, from healthy aging to early mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.

There is tremendous variability in the pathways to late life and many undetected factors that influence healthy cognitive aging. Dr. Schultz studies these factors and their relation to early and mid-life experiences.

The current project directed by Dr. Schultz examines a cohort of breast cancer survivors who are now reaching late life. These individuals have received chemotherapy, and are now at an age where the development of memory decline becomes a concern. It is of great interest to learn whether treatment for breast cancer in previous decades increases the likelihood of cognitive decline in the later years. This study examines the cognitive function and brain imaging in long-term survivors.

Progress to date has suggested that there are mild changes in later life associated with previous chemotherapy. The positive news is that the cognitive profile observed thus far is not consistent with significant memory changes, as seen in degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.