Chemobrain is a term used by many patients to describe changes in cognitive or thinking abilities that can occur in people diagnosed with cancer. In the past, it was thought to be related to other causes such as stress or depression. However, studies over the last decade document this as a real side effect of the disease and treatment on brain function.
Many aggressive cancer treatments, such as chemotherapies, are not tumor specific and place normal cells and organs, including the brain, at risk. Medications commonly used in therapies, such as steroids or anticonvulsants or to treat related conditions such as anemia, electrolyte imbalance or hormonal changes, may contribute to chemobrain. Symptoms include difficulty recalling specifics, forgetting or confusing details of recent events, misplacing things in the home or office, or even confusing dates and times appointments. Other common complaints include word finding difficulties which are often described by patients as “forgetting words, or names of people or places”, although they eventually remember.
In addition to these difficulties, patients describe attention deficit problems, including trouble remaining focused on any one task for any length of time or having problems multi-tasking, or doing several things at once. They often describe problems with organization or just keeping up with a conversation.
There are a number of studies that are aimed at trying to understand how these symptoms come about and why some people develop chemobrain and others do not. These studies include blood analysis, brain imaging, and genetic testing. A specialty subgroup of therapists, known as neuropsychologists, can perform quantitative assessments of the cognitive and emotional symptoms that arise as a consequence of cancer, cancer treatment or co-existing psychological or neurologic problems. Emotional distress can further contribute to cognitive symptoms. Managing depression and anxiety, if they occur, is also crucial.
As you can see, “chemobrain” is a combination of many things. It is important to understand that it is an unexpected side effect and that it is different for everyone. There are things you can monitor and report to your healthcare professional to gain assistance in reducing the mental impact it can have.
Helpful hints:
1. Don’t blame yourself thinking it is your lack of coping skills. This is a normal side effect of treatment. After treatment, the condition should gradually improve.
2. Purchase a notepad and calendar. Take notes and mark dates.
3. Make a list, keep a running list and take it with you when you go to the store.
4. Buy a pad of post-it notes and tape to refrigerator or mirror.
5. Take someone with you to appointments to help you remember information, especially if you will be asking questions or getting test results.
6. Get adequate sleep and exercise. Sleep is necessary for mental functioning and exercise is known to decrease fatigue and depression.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having difficulty in these areas. Remember, this is not something you caused.