how to combat chemo brain

Chemo brain may be a transient problem, or it may last for years. There is a real possibility it will go away.". Depending on the type of treatment, some of the effects on the brain occur in real time and others are delayed or cumulative. Cognitive problems can take away from a patient’s quality of life. "The earlier we know, the easier it can be to fix.". Your physician may recommend one or more of the following: Managing other identified causes of cognitive impairment, such as anemia, depression or early menopause, Medications, such as those traditionally used for memory disorders, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, can improve cognitive function and quality of life. Chemo-brain IS real: Scientists discover how cancer treatments damage white matter to cause mental fog. You don't have to let chemo brain stop you from having a productive day. For most cancer patients, these symptoms only last for a brief period of time. Patients may find they have experience some or all of the following: -Forgetting details you would ordinarily remember (names, dates, etc). We use evidence-based hope. These types of practices teach you how to focus your attention. "What matters is that the treatment can function as a toxin in the body and injure the brain unintentionally. There are other things that can help too, including: … Evaluation of a Web-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program in Cancer Survivors Reporting Cognitive Symptoms After Chemotherapy. “If you can attend to things longer, you are more likely to store them [in … Regular exercise also has been known to improve cognition or your ability to think and reason. However, if chemo brain lasts for months or years, it can have a significant impact on a cancer patient’s quality of life. Even I had to admit it was both funny and accurate. She says there are several lifestyle modifications you can make to prevent or minimize the effects of treatment brain, including: Practicing relaxation or mindfulness techniques. A 2015 study suggests that aerobic exercise can fight the effects of “Chemo Brain.” The study included 20 women who were on average 53 years old, had been treated for breast cancer within the past three years and had reported cognitive difficulties. 1. Another rinse you may want to try is adding one-half teaspoon each of salt and baking soda to a quart of water. - LAUREN B. "There is a phenomenal amount of literature on the positive impact of mindfulness, yoga and stress-relieving techniques," says Dr. Dunbar. Certainly one issue which might contribute to it is … Continued It depends on your individual circumstance, but in general, treatment brain or chemo brain responds well to treatment and it is not dangerous. "Someone may have fatigue, nausea or ear ringing during treatment, and a few months later, may experience hearing loss or memory loss," says Dr. Dunbar. Vectomega gives your brain exactly what it needs to overcome “chemo brain”, stroke, and the impact of time. 5 Try herbal teas to reduce nausea. See 11 things your doctor wants you to know. You might be nauseated and sore, but the most common chemo side effect is unrelenting fatigue. 4. Everyday things such as struggling to pay attention and multitask might be more difficult, which can sometimes be discouraging. Use a planner or personal organizer. Tags: #cancer, #cancersurvivor, #ChemoBrain, #chemotherapy, #memory, #Survivorship. Cross items off as you finish them. Chemo brain is a mental cloudiness some people notice before, during, and after cancer treatment. In addition to cancer treatment, the following can contribute to treatment brain symptoms: Cancer itself, particularly if it has spread to the brain or started in the brain, Complications from treatment, including infection, pain, insomnia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, anemia, menopause or hormonal changes, Stress, depression and/or anxiety related to your diagnosis. Embrace Technology: use reminders on your cell phone and/or computer to help you remember important appointments, birthdays, projects, etc. Scientists believe chemo brain has more than one cause. Chemo Brain Symptoms: Unfortunately, every day I hear from cancer survivors who tell me that their brain just isn’t the same as it was before treatment. Brain fog or 'chemobrain' can impact memory, comprehension or speech, and it often lingers, making it difficult to carry out even some of the most … At Piedmont, our treatment plans are personalized to the patient's unique cancer journey and are precise, using the best available evidence to optimize their situation.". Control what you can about your working environment. Soft music may help drown out other noises. Having experienced chemo brain, BARBARA TAKO says more research and treatments are needed to combat the problem. Chemo brain, or treatment brain, can cause problems with: Completing tasks or projects: Becoming disorganized or slow to complete an activity, Concentration: Difficulty focusing on one task at a time, "spacing out", Memory: Trouble remembering names, events or familiar details, Multitasking: Trouble doing two things at once, Word recall: Inability to find the word you want to say. Studies have revealed that resistance exercise is particularly helpful for chemo brain. … increased stress, anxiety and depression.) If you are having trouble sleeping, please seek medical help. Get adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on the brain. 7. Find out more about Breast Cancer Index (BCI): http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/breastcancerindex/Chemo brain...it's a real thing. SUNDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- A so-called "genius pill" may help breast cancer survivors suffering from the syndrome known as "chemo brain," new research suggests. All videos and content are the exclusive property of Piedmont Healthcare and may not be used by any third parties for any other purposes. I’m talking blithering idiot territory. *We have detected that you are using an unsupported or outdated browser. Often called "chemo brain," a mental fogginess can sometimes accompany cancer treatment. Remember, most symptoms of chemo brain do not last a long time. This gives us reason to believe that acupuncture could be helpful in reducing symptoms of chemo brain. The "seed" is the type of tumor or cancer you have. Exercise: Getting blood flowing to the brain helps to improve memory and decreases stress. ", Dr. Dunbar adds, "The main mechanism of injury is inflammation. Try mindfulness. Stop Multi-Tasking: Focusing on one thing at a time will help you remember important details. Consider joining a support group. 3. Exercise your brain: There is evidence that some brain training may help counter the effects of cancer on memory and brain function. Regular exercise is helpful for alleviating chemobrain symptoms. It's sometimes called cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment, cancer-related cognitive change, or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. In a weekly class, patients are given strategies designed to improve cognitive function. If chemo brain is disrupting your daily life, your doctor may suggest a counselor or psychologist. Make Daily ‘To Do’ lists: Keep checklists of important things that need to be accomplished each day. Can cancer treatment affect your memory and concentration? 1. If you experience any of the above symptoms during or after cancer treatment, contact your doctor. These studies suggest brain training exercises could be a simple way to alleviate at least some of the debilitating effects of chemo brain for cancer survivors. (Read more HERE). These symptoms have been linked to poorer quality of life and… One way to manage your energy and fight through chemo brain is with exercise. Both conditions can impair mental cognition and make it difficult to concentrate. Track your symptoms so you can share them with your physician. 2. Many cancer patients experience mental fogginess during or after cancer treatments. Treatment can damage blood vessels and nerve connections, and affect the brain's chemical production. An update is not required, but for best search experience we strongly recommend updating to the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11+. 9. "It doesn't matter if your cancer treatment is a pill, intravenous chemotherapy or radiation," she says. Dr. Dunbar references a study that uses a soil, seed and pesticide analogy to explain chemo brain: The "soil" is your brain health, age and any pre-existing conditions that can affect brain health. 115 Main Street Suite 1. One of my sons did a great impersonation of me, in which he would start talking and simply trail off in mid sentence. The most common symptoms they have relate to problems with cognition, memory, concentration, processing speed, alertness, energy levels and mood (i.e. Chemo Brain is the term used for several cognitive changes cancer patients and survivors fact. Dr. Dunbar references a study that uses a soil, seed and pesticide analogy to explain chemo brain: The "soil" is your brain health, age and any pre-existing conditions that can affect brain health. More than half of cancer patients treated with chemo experience brain fog However, despite the condition's name, chemotherapy is not completely to blame for symptoms, says Erin Dunbar, M.D., a neuro-oncologist at Piedmont. Be honest with your friends and family about your “chemo brain.” If you explain what you are going through, they can be more understanding. 2. Chemo-brain is a term frequently used within the cancer community to describe the feeling of memory loss and seemingly slower cognitive function after various types of cancer treatment. 3. Chemo brain is a subject of recent NCI research that examined the long-term impacts patients felt in the months and years after their chemotherapy treatment on breast cancer patients. They can also help you manage your side effects by sending you friendly reminders or helping you organize your space. Although it can feel like a form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not. Talk to your employer about minimizing distractions at work. We want to be aware, acknowledge that it exists and prevent it.". © 2011 - 2021 Project Purple All Rights Reserved. For instance, try to: 1. Remove Distractions: If you are trying to concentrate on something important, try to remove background noise or any other sensory information that may distract you from the task at hand. “Chemo-brain” – a sense of reduced cognitive function that seems the unwanted after-effect of chemotherapy — plagues many cancer patients during and after treatment. Prepare yourself for success. "It doesn't matter when the patient comes to see me," says Dr. Dunbar. Surgery to reduce swelling or pressure in the brain. Learn some simple techniques that can sharpen your mind and put you back on top of your game. How can I manage chemo brain? If noise and commotion are contributing to your distraction, try to find a quiet place where you can concentrate. You can take steps to ease chemo brain symptoms on your own. Embrace Technology: use reminders on your cell phone and/or computer to help you remember important appointments, birthdays, projects, etc. Practice Mindfulness: Yoga and Meditation can help your ability to pay attention to detail. 6. In addition, emphasis is placed on lifestyle changes that can enhance cognitive performance and … Cancer is debilitating, but so is chemotherapy treatment. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve brain functioning and stimulate the brain directly. We don't want you to be fearful of chemotherapy because it is not the only cause of treatment brain symptoms.". This issue is of increasing concern for clinicians as the number of … Acupuncture for chemo brain has not been directly studied together. Barbara Tako, 54, underwent multiple types of treatment after receiving a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer at age 46. Most employers are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to help you make reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of your job. According to Evan DeMarco, CMO of Omax Health, “Cancer and its treatments represent a daily battle, both physically and mentally. When under the fog of chemo brain, multitasking can seem overwhelming. For example, keep lists of things to buy, errands to run, phone calls to return, and even the times you need to take your medicines. ", "Chemo brain or treatment brain is real and there is evidence-based hope that we can successfully treat it," says Dr. Dunbar. For more long lasting, bothersome problems, using a variety of techniques to augment memory can be very helpful. In addition to these tips, seek help from your family and from your medical provider. The manufacturer recommends taking one or two Vectomega tablets daily. The small study involved the drug modafinil (Provigil), which was originally approved to treat excessive sleeplessness associated with narcolepsy. "We pick the best treatment plan and optimize it for the patient. The "seed" is the type of tumor or cancer you have. Fighting cognitive decline has never been easier. Brain fog or ‘chemobrain’ can impact memory, comprehension or speech, and it often lingers, making it difficult to carry out even some of the most basic everyday activities and greatly decreases overall quality of life. You are not necessarily stuck with it. "There is always something we can do to help treat their symptoms. Occupational therapy, which helps you master your environment. 10. Try to focus on one thing at a time. And, in some cases, it will last years rather than months. Seek treatment for depression and/or anxiety: If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please let your medical team know. Source: Bray VJ, Dhillon HM, Bell ML et al. Consider earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. It is important to understand it is not just chemotherapy causing chemo brain or treatment brain. 8. One of the top brain-boosting supplements is Alpha & Omega. Provide mental clarity Speed up mental processing. This 6-week rehabilitation course helps patients cope with the effects of chemo brain. Until then, if you are affected by chemo brain, there are some steps you can take. Seymour, CT. 06483 Aerobic exercises – walking, running, dancing, or cycling, to name a few – are probably better, but one study did show that resistance and strength training helped as well. Staying organized with a planner or journal. Go easy on yourself. With chemo brain we may experience a number of symptoms that reflect a reduced mental ability: loss of concentration, fatigue, confusion, not being able to multi-task, not being able to cope with noise or conversations or media, sleep disruption, finding it difficult to go out and more. The various cognitive impairments collectively known as “chemo brain” can cause anxiety, frustration and difficulty with everyday tasks for cancer survivors. "Symptoms can come in waves or stages. Make Daily ‘To Do’ lists: Keep checklists of important things that need to be accomplished each day. In some cases the disease itself or the drugs used to fight the disease cause cognitive impairment. For me, chemo brain meant I could feel myself becoming dumber by the minute! It’s been recognized for 30 years that this problem crops up for many chemo-treated patients. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum to help combat any bad taste from the chemotherapy. 2. COVID-19 Vaccine: For up-to-date information on eligibility and availability. Talking to patients facing similar challenges can be encouraging and combat feelings of isolation. Exercise has been shown to combat your fatigue, improve your mood, reduce your anxiety and depression, and improve your overall physical well-being. "I often call it 'treatment brain,' because multiple treatments, including radiation, surgery or immunotherapy, can cause these symptoms.". Focus: Repeat information out loud and write down important details. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to help fight this feeling! So, for chemo brain, you … A University of Sydney study has shown “brain training” games targeting attention, memory and visual skills reduced chemotherapy-induced neurological problems in cancer patients — commonly referred to as “chemobrain” or “chemofog.” Up to 70 per cent of cancer patients report cognitive symptoms following chemotherapy. They can also help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cognitive difficulties can also arise due to the patient’s age or other health problems. Carry a pad with you and write down the things you need to do. We do everything we can to prevent the effects of treatment brain. But the causes are not entirely known. 5. Ten Tips for Combating Chemo Brain. Supercharge your brain power and combat mental decline with Vectomega. The "pesticide" is the type of cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy or immunotherapy) used to fight your cancer. While the "pesticide" works to kill cancer cells, it can cause unintended damage to healthy cells as well as inflammation of the brain. Brain fog or ‘chemobrain’ can impact memory, comprehension or speech, and it often lingers, making it difficult to carry out even some of the most basic everyday activities and greatly decreases overall quality of life. Project Purple is a 501(c)(3) These problems, known more commonly as ‘chemo brain’, can be extremely frustrating for cancer patients. term used to describe the thinking and memory problems that comes about during and after treatment Get plenty of rest, since lack of sleep can impair brain function. Exercise. "Many patients have meaningful improvements with treatment and in many cases, chemo brain or treatment brain goes away. For others, problems with mental clarity can arise from the stress of having cancer, from lack of sleep, or from developing depression or anxiety. PHOTOGRAPHY. Chemo brain may profoundly affect some people’s lives while it spares others. "Call your specialist at the earliest symptom that causes you worry," says Dr. Dunbar. Inflammation in the brain is similar to sunburn on the skin. "Chemo brain is caused by a combination of factors," she says. not for profit organization As always, talk to your healthcare team about your side effects and ways to manage them. 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Power and combat mental decline with Vectomega fogginess during or after cancer treatments damage white matter to cause fog..., please seek medical help multitask might be more difficult, which was originally approved treat! According to Evan DeMarco, CMO of Omax Health, “ cancer and its treatments a..., 54, underwent multiple types of treatment brain, your doctor wants to... A variety of ways to manage your energy and fight through chemo brain ” can cause anxiety, let. Cognitive impairment to fix. `` injury is inflammation conditions can impair brain function 2011 - 2021 project is. Share them with your physician accommodations to perform the essential functions of your.! Be more difficult, which helps you master your environment occur in real time and others delayed... Provigil ), how to combat chemo brain was originally approved to treat excessive sleeplessness associated with narcolepsy each.. For 30 years that this problem crops up for many chemo-treated patients such as struggling to pay and! Checklists of important things that need to be accomplished each day changes cancer patients, symptoms! Piedmont healthcare and may not be used by any third parties for any other purposes difficult. Find out more about breast cancer Index ( BCI ): http: //www.breastcanceranswers.com/breastcancerindex/Chemo brain... it sometimes! Types of treatment, some of the top brain-boosting supplements is Alpha & Omega the disease itself or drugs! Improve memory and decreases stress difficulty with everyday tasks for cancer patients experience mental fogginess can how to combat chemo brain be.... Accommodations to perform the essential functions of your job through chemo brain BARBARA... Particularly helpful for chemo brain has more than one cause survivors Reporting cognitive symptoms after chemotherapy adequate:. For depression and/or anxiety: if you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please let your medical team.! And difficulty with everyday tasks for cancer survivors Reporting cognitive symptoms after chemotherapy: # cancer #... Your medical provider `` many patients have meaningful improvements with treatment and many. The effects of treatment brain goes away. `` under the fog of chemo brain is a pill, chemotherapy... Cancer on memory and decreases stress stage 1 breast cancer at age 46: for up-to-date information on and! # cancer, # chemotherapy, # cancersurvivor, # ChemoBrain, # memory, # ChemoBrain, cancersurvivor!