Chemo Brain - A Very Real Condition

There have been a number of women I have known who have breast cancer. The treatment for breast cancer can be quite aggressive including chemotherapy and/or radiation. Because I am always thinking in the context of brain health I was particularly sensitive to their complaints of brain fog. Even though there hasn’t been definitive research around chemo brain, doctors and researchers agree that it is a very real condition. The American Cancer Society recognizes chemo brain as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Chief complaints were memory and concentration problems. The following list tries to capture the primary side effects of chemo brain:

• Memory lapses

• Trouble concentrating

• Trouble remembering detail like names and addresses

• Taking longer to finish things

• Trouble remembering common words

• Fatigue

• Disorganized

• Confusion

(American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic)

This is a troubling list of side effects. These changes can be subtle and not noticed by others. But chemo brain is a very scary experience that can disrupt your life. There are steps you can take to deal with chemo brain. Tell your doctor of the things you are experiencing. It is important to rule out any complications or additional medical problems. To alleviate some of the anxiety associated with memory problems, incorporate these steps to maximize brain health:

• Get physical exercise in whatever capacity you are able. The brain benefits from the oxygen, carbohydrates and blood sent to it from each heartbeat.

• Exercise your brain. Anything from reading, board games, puzzles to electronic brain games helps stimulate the new brain cells you just grew from your exercise.

• Get organized. Make lists to help you remember anything. Have a spot for keys, etc. so you are not running around looking for misplaced items.

• Get plenty of sleep and rest. Your brain is very busy embedding memories when you are in a deep sleep.

• Eat good food – lots of vegetables and fruit and fish. Say no to a lot of red meat.

• Have a set routine every day. It will allow your brain to have the energy to work on more complex activities.

• Keep a journal of your symptoms. Trends might become apparent and you will find what problems emerge and you can work on solutions to events that cause memory problems.

Don’t be a lone ranger throughout this period. The brain likes people and allowing others to help you navigate this situation will be good for your brain. Isolation breeds depression and you certainly don’t want to go down that rabbit hole. You need all of your strength and brain energy to live a satisfying life.

American Cancer Society, Chemo brain. Retrieved May 19, 2015 from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentandsideeffects/chemotherapyeffects/chemo-brain

Mayo Clinic, Chemo brain. Retrieved May 19,2015 from http://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/basics/definition/con-20033864?p=1

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