When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, they have one option – to fight the disease and come out of it alive and well. One of the most common cancer treatments is chemotherapy. However, the process is not easy since there are many debilitating side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to be strong as you continue with the treatment. If chemotherapy has been successful, then most if not all of the cancer cells will have been destroyed. But despite being helpful to cancer patients, chemotherapy has been known to cause something called chemo brain.
What is chemo brain?
After undergoing chemotherapy, some cancer survivors often experience a decline in their cognitive abilities. They either forget something too quickly or can’t perform routine tasks with as much ease as they used to. This effect is what is referred to as chemo brain.
Another effect of chemo brain is whereby the individual cannot focus on something for a very long time. The person may phase out a lot and neglect certain tasks. Some people can no longer go back to work because they have even forgotten how to do their jobs.
Other sufferers may not be able to keep up with everyday conversations; in fact, chemo brain can even make it possible to forget the simplest of words. As such, those with the condition often find it hard to communicate and complete sentences.
It’s little surprise then that chemo brain can also limit an individual’s multitasking capabilities. For example, they find it difficult to listen to music and do chores because another task may be too distracting.
What you should know
Chemo brain is also known as post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. At first, the patient may not notice any neurological changes and may wait until chemo brain has affected their daily routine to tell the doctor.
The effects of chemo brain can be short or long term. Some people will experience cognitive decline during the first few months before it eventually subsides, whereas others will experience it for years.
Causes of chemo brain
Even though chemo brain is mostly associated with cancer survivors, the symptoms can start even before the patient begins the chemotherapy. In some cases, patients will become traumatized after getting news of their cancer diagnosis. The resultant anxiety and depression can be enough to affect their cognitive functioning. Some cancers by their very nature can also affect cognitive function. For example, people with a brain tumor have been known to suffer from memory loss.
Of course, many people also experience chemo brain during chemotherapy. The drugs used in chemotherapy can have a negative effect on your brain, though such cases are usually short term. This is particularly the case during high-dose treatments or treatment conducted around the brain or spinal fluid areas. After the drugs wear off, patients can often resume normal activities. During this period, sufferers should get a lot of undisturbed rest because chemotherapy drugs can take their toll on the body and lack of sleep could worsen chemo brain effects. It’s also possible that other cancer treatment side effects, such as having a low red blood cell count, can lead to symptoms of chemo brain such as fatigue and brain fog.
How to manage chemo brain
Aside from getting enough rest, patients should ensure they remain active. During the recovery period, take advantage of all the free time that you have. Ask someone to accompany you on short walks around the neighborhood. You can also walk to the grocery store instead of ordering food online. Alternatively, you can get yourself a bike and cycle around the neighborhood. However, before you do so, consult with your doctor to know the extent of your abilities.
Being active helps to improve your attitude towards life, helping you feel more alive. It also helps to reduce tiredness and speed up your recovery.
You should also switch to a diet rich in whole foods and vegetables because it helps to keep your brain healthy. Playing puzzles or games that tests your cognitive ability is also great exercise for the brain and helps to keep it in good shape.
Since chemo brain is often associated with memory loss, as an immediate coping strategy you should put your things in places that you can easily find them. Write down your daily schedule on a notebook or smartphone so that you can remember what you have to do during the day.
Final thoughts
Chemo brain is typically characterized as short or long-term memory loss experienced by patients who have undergone chemotherapy or other cancer treatment. The duration of its effects depends on the person’s genes and level of activity, but these tips can help to deal with the side effects.