Remember, most symptoms of chemo brain do not last a long time. While the "pesticide" works to kill cancer cells, it can cause unintended damage to healthy cells as well as inflammation of the brain. "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. Having experienced chemo brain, BARBARA TAKO says more research and treatments are needed to combat the problem. 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. The manufacturer recommends taking one or two Vectomega tablets daily. Carry a pad with you and write down the things you need to do. We use evidence-based hope. 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. Everyday things such as struggling to pay attention and multitask might be more difficult, which can sometimes be discouraging. 3. In addition to these tips, seek help from your family and from your medical provider. 6. Regular exercise is helpful for alleviating chemobrain symptoms. Fighting cognitive decline has never been easier. Chemo brain may be a transient problem, or it may last for years. Track your symptoms so you can share them with your physician. 3. Tags: #cancer, #cancersurvivor, #ChemoBrain, #chemotherapy, #memory, #Survivorship. term used to describe the thinking and memory problems that comes about during and after treatment Staying organized with a planner or journal. Even I had to admit it was both funny and accurate. Seek treatment for depression and/or anxiety: If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please let your medical team know. This gives us reason to believe that acupuncture could be helpful in reducing symptoms of chemo brain. One way to manage your energy and fight through chemo brain is with exercise. “Chemo-brain” – a sense of reduced cognitive function that seems the unwanted after-effect of chemotherapy — plagues many cancer patients during and after treatment. The "pesticide" is the type of cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy or immunotherapy) used to fight your cancer. COVID-19 Vaccine: For up-to-date information on eligibility and availability. They can also help you manage your side effects by sending you friendly reminders or helping you organize your space. 2. Exercise your brain: There is evidence that some brain training may help counter the effects of cancer on memory and brain function. If chemo brain is disrupting your daily life, your doctor may suggest a counselor or psychologist. However, if chemo brain lasts for months or years, it can have a significant impact on a cancer patient’s quality of life. When under the fog of chemo brain, multitasking can seem overwhelming. Find out more about Breast Cancer Index (BCI): http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/breastcancerindex/Chemo brain...it's a real thing. Prepare yourself for success. Exercise. Treatment can damage blood vessels and nerve connections, and affect the brain's chemical production. One of my sons did a great impersonation of me, in which he would start talking and simply trail off in mid sentence. 5 Try herbal teas to reduce nausea. "The earlier we know, the easier it can be to fix.". "We pick the best treatment plan and optimize it for the patient. "It doesn't matter when the patient comes to see me," says Dr. Dunbar. 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 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. Cross items off as you finish them. "There is a phenomenal amount of literature on the positive impact of mindfulness, yoga and stress-relieving techniques," says Dr. Dunbar. 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. Chemo-brain IS real: Scientists discover how cancer treatments damage white matter to cause mental fog. Provide mental clarity Speed up mental processing. They can also help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. All videos and content are the exclusive property of Piedmont Healthcare and may not be used by any third parties for any other purposes. In some cases the disease itself or the drugs used to fight the disease cause cognitive impairment. Learn some simple techniques that can sharpen your mind and put you back on top of your game. These types of practices teach you how to focus your attention. 1. "Chemo brain is caused by a combination of factors," she says. Go easy on yourself. 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. Chemo brain is a mental cloudiness some people notice before, during, and after cancer treatment. Evaluation of a Web-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program in Cancer Survivors Reporting Cognitive Symptoms After Chemotherapy. ", Dr. Dunbar adds, "The main mechanism of injury is inflammation. Cancer is debilitating, but so is chemotherapy treatment. This issue is of increasing concern for clinicians as the number of … Try to focus on one thing at a time. Another rinse you may want to try is adding one-half teaspoon each of salt and baking soda to a quart of water. Regular exercise also has been known to improve cognition or your ability to think and reason. (Read more HERE). 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. 2. "What matters is that the treatment can function as a toxin in the body and injure the brain unintentionally. Consider earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. ", "Chemo brain or treatment brain is real and there is evidence-based hope that we can successfully treat it," says Dr. Dunbar. Exercise has been shown to combat your fatigue, improve your mood, reduce your anxiety and depression, and improve your overall physical well-being. There is a real possibility it will go away.". Surgery to reduce swelling or pressure in the brain. Patients may find they have experience some or all of the following: -Forgetting details you would ordinarily remember (names, dates, etc). These problems, known more commonly as ‘chemo brain’, can be extremely frustrating for cancer patients. 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. 9. - LAUREN B. *We have detected that you are using an unsupported or outdated browser. The small study involved the drug modafinil (Provigil), which was originally approved to treat excessive sleeplessness associated with narcolepsy. "Call your specialist at the earliest symptom that causes you worry," says Dr. Dunbar. The "seed" is the type of tumor or cancer you have. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve brain functioning and stimulate the brain directly. Most employers are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to help you make reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of your job. 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+. Often called "chemo brain," a mental fogginess can sometimes accompany cancer treatment. Seymour, CT. 06483 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. We do everything we can to prevent the effects of treatment brain. For more long lasting, bothersome problems, using a variety of techniques to augment memory can be very helpful. © 2011 - 2021 Project Purple All Rights Reserved. Soft music may help drown out other noises. "It doesn't matter if your cancer treatment is a pill, intravenous chemotherapy or radiation," she says. Chemo Brain is the term used for several cognitive changes cancer patients and survivors fact. Barbara Tako, 54, underwent multiple types of treatment after receiving a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer at age 46. 7. Make Daily ‘To Do’ lists: Keep checklists of important things that need to be accomplished each day. Many cancer patients experience mental fogginess during or after cancer treatments. Try mindfulness. How can I manage chemo brain? 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. It is important to understand it is not just chemotherapy causing chemo brain or treatment brain. These symptoms have been linked to poorer quality of life and… You might be nauseated and sore, but the most common chemo side effect is unrelenting fatigue. 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. increased stress, anxiety and depression.) Talk to your employer about minimizing distractions at work. 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. 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. Acupuncture for chemo brain has not been directly studied together. Project Purple is a 501(c)(3) Until then, if you are affected by chemo brain, there are some steps you can take. 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. In addition, emphasis is placed on lifestyle changes that can enhance cognitive performance and … Can cancer treatment affect your memory and concentration? Exercise: Getting blood flowing to the brain helps to improve memory and decreases stress. In a weekly class, patients are given strategies designed to improve cognitive function. 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. 115 Main Street Suite 1. We want to be aware, acknowledge that it exists and prevent it.". And, in some cases, it will last years rather than months. See 11 things your doctor wants you to know. For me, chemo brain meant I could feel myself becoming dumber by the minute! But the causes are not entirely known. Scientists believe chemo brain has more than one cause. Make Daily ‘To Do’ lists: Keep checklists of important things that need to be accomplished each day. So, for chemo brain, you … The most common symptoms they have relate to problems with cognition, memory, concentration, processing speed, alertness, energy levels and mood (i.e. … If you are having trouble sleeping, please seek medical help. The "seed" is the type of tumor or cancer you have. For most cancer patients, these symptoms only last for a brief period of time. Embrace Technology: use reminders on your cell phone and/or computer to help you remember important appointments, birthdays, projects, etc. 8. Be honest with your friends and family about your “chemo brain.” If you explain what you are going through, they can be more understanding. There are other things that can help too, including: … 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 … For up-to-date information on eligibility and availability of life 's a real possibility it go. # ChemoBrain, # memory, # chemotherapy, # chemotherapy, # chemotherapy, cancersurvivor! And affect the brain occur in real time and others are delayed cumulative... 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