It’s called Chemo Brain.
And it’s no joke!
Chemo brain is a common term people with cancer use to describe trouble with thinking and memory that can happen during and after cancer treatment. Chemo brain also can be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction.
It’s a widely used term because this condition was first reported in people having chemotherapy treatments. But experts don’t fully know the causes of these concentration and memory changes. There’s likely more than one cause.
No matter the cause, chemo brain can be a tough side effect of cancer and its treatment. Researchers are working to understand the memory changes that people with cancer have.
Symptoms
- Trouble recalling what you’ve said to others.
- Not recalling what you’ve seen, such as images or lists of words.
- Trouble recalling what’s happened recently, called short-term memory issues.
Symptoms of chemo brain linked to thinking may include:
- Trouble finding the right words.
- Trouble learning new skills.
- Trouble doing more than one thing at a time.
- Mental fog.
- Short attention span.
- Taking longer than usual to do routine tasks.
Source: Chemo brain – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Duration
For many people, chemo brain is temporary and improves after treatment ends. However, some individuals may experience cognitive changes for months or even a year or more after chemotherapy
The severity and duration can vary depending on age, type and dose of chemotherapy, and individual susceptibility.
Help from experts
- Manage other health issues. Anxiety, stress, and depression can make your brain fog worse. So can some physical conditions, such as sleep apnea or a thyroid that doesn’t work the way it should. Talk to your doctor about getting any health conditions you have under control.
- Learn skills to get through your day. An occupational therapist can teach you ways to manage day-to-day tasks at work or home. You’ll learn strategies to help your memory, get organized, and manage your time.
- Ask your doctor about medicines. There is no pill to get rid of brain fog, but in some cases, a prescription stimulant can improve focus and boost your energy level.
- Think about cognitive rehab. Mental exercises that test your memory and brain function can help your brain work better. Some people see results after a few weeks. If you finished your cancer treatment a year ago or longer and still feel foggy, ask your doctor to refer you to a neuropsychologist.
Source: Overcoming Cancer-Induced Brain Fog and Other Mental Issues
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