Chemo Brain is used by cancer survivors to describe the change in memory, concentration, attention, as well as the ability to perform different mental tasks after the completion of chemotherapy treatment. The medical jargon refers chemo brain as either a cognitive deficit or decline in neuropsychological capability.
Some cancer patients are affected more by chemo brain than others. While for many the brain will recover over time, some patients experience seemingly more long-term effects. Whether temporary or permanent, these changes can make it difficult for one to function normally in their daily activities such as going to work, school, or social activities.
Chemo Brain Symptoms
Memory lapses for things that one can usually remember
Having trouble concentration or focusing
Cannot remember details such as names, dates, and events
Unable to multi-task or do more than one thing at a time
Thinking slower and taking longer to finishing a task
Trouble remembering common words or completing a sentence
Chemo Brain – Other Factors
Chemo Brain can be caused by one of a combination of the following factors:
The Cancer
Chemo Treatment
Other drugs like pain or anti-nausea medication prescribed as part of the treatment
Age of the patient
Low blood counts
Infection
Depression
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Stress
Anxiety
Hormone changes
Chemo Brain Tips and Solutions
Use a daily planner to keep track of the appointments, schedules, to dos, and other events.
Exercise the brain. Play brain games or do mental exercises.
Take memory improving supplements to help your brain function. Supplements that contain ginkgo and Vitamin E have shown improvement in treating age-related memory changes.
Regular exercise and healthy diet.
Concentrate on doing one thing at a time and do not multi-task.
Keep a log of when you are having memory problems so it can also help you prepare by not planning important events during those times.