The medical term for this condition is cognitive deficit, however it is commonly referred as “chemo brain” among patients and survivors.
Declining cognitive abilities in cancer survivors isn’t always caused by chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society estimates that 25 percent of people who experience chemo brain symptoms do so because of chemotherapy treatment. The remaining percentage can be attributed to other conditions such as depression, anemia, aging, menopause, and side effects of other medications.
Up until recently, many patient complaints about memory and concentration were dismissed by their doctors. They were often attributed to stress, emotional affects of cancer, or other medications. New research has confirmed a trend between chemotherapy and cognitive abilities, but it hasn’t identified a cause. We are also unable to identify who is more at risk of developing a decline in cognitive functions.
If you are experiencing signs of chemo brain, report them to your doctor. Your doctor may evaluate you for depression and other conditions to determine the cause of the symptoms. Currently there is no specific treatment or cure for chemo brain, only recommendations for managing it. In some cases, doctors may prescribe a medication used to treat attention deficit disorder to increase mental acuity.
Tips for Managing Chemo Brain
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Lighten work load if possible
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Keep pen and paper handy at all times to write down important information
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Use a daily organizer
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Get adequate sleep
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Eat nutritious, balanced meals
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Carry a mini recording device to record important conversations
- Make daily “To Do” lists
Sources:
Tannock, Ian, Tim A. Ahles, Patricia A. Ganz, Frits S. van Dam . "Cognitive Impairment Associated With Chemotherapy for Cancer: Report of a Workshop." Journal of Clinical Oncology 22, No 11(2004): 2233-2239.
