Chemobrain
Chemobrain describes the cognitive problems that cancer survivors face. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, The brain becomes effected in some capacity and cognitive problems occur when someone has trouble processing information.
Mental tasks, attention spans, thinking, spacing out -- these all may vary in severity and make It hard to complete daily tasks. Symptoms may slowly improve, and they disappear for most people within four years.
Thinking level headed and clear becomes a problem with chemobrain. Here are some symptoms to keep in mind if you think you might be experiencing some cognitive disconnect:
Trouble focusing and concentrating.
Mental disorientation.
Difficulty with judgment.
Memory loss.
Forgetting certain things: names, dates, numbers.
Trouble learning something new.
Please keep in mind that these are just a few symptoms, and you do not have to experience them all in order to feel the effects of chemobrain. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that a symptom you may experience is not due to a different condition other than chemobrain.
Chemobrain has no specific treatment, but there are different approaches to help alleviate symptoms, such as:
Medications
Occupational therapy
Cognitive training
Keeping a checklist
Performing 1 task at a time
Brain-strengthening activities (I.e. solving crosswords or puzzles).
Get adequate sleep.
Above all, keep in communication with your doctor about any trouble you're experiencing. Don't be afraid to ask for help when it comes to family and friends, and remember: chemobrain should gradually improve after chemotherapy ends.
Chemobrain gets its namesake from chemotherapy, but other treatments can play a role, too. Hormone therapy, radiation, surgery can have an effect on cognitive issues. The American Cancer Society highlights certain risk factors that have the ability to worsen brain function. They include:
The cancer itself (I.e. brain tumors)
Other drugs provided for treatment
Emotional distress (I.e. depression)
Older age
Nutritional Deficiency
Diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health conditions
Being frail
Surgery and it's drugs
Infection
Hormonal changes
Being post-menopausal.
Chemobrain may very well affect your daily life, so we compiled a list of our favorite examples (with help from the American Cancer Society) to help you keep that mental sharpness.
Use a detailed planner to help keep everything in one place.
Invest in a calendar that acts as a whiteboard to help you keep track of important dates, appointments, and other life events.
Do demanding tasks when you know you have higher energy levels.
Get enough sleep!
Participate in physical activity.
Eat your veggies!
Try to follow a daily routine to the best of your ability.
Pick a designated place for an item you commonly lose. For example, car keys can be placed by the door.
Avoid agents that might alter your mental state, such as alcohol.
Try your best not to multi-task.
Track your memory problems with a diary or medical log. Include medicine you take and when you take it, and keep note of how you feel after you take it.
Accepting the problem will help you deal with it more. Laughing about the things you can't control may help you cope.
