People often ask 'how can I cope and manage my chemo brain?' Our therapists specialize in a broad range of services no matter your age. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015. http://www.ovid.com/site/index.jsp. Lifestyle choices play a major role in how well cancer survivors cope with … Should I take memantine (Namenda) during brain radiation? © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This year, Radomski, … Chemo brain or cognitive side effects can affect each person differently. Chemo brain treatment focuses on coping with symptoms. Because chemo brain symptoms and severity differ from person to person, your doctor can work with you to develop an individualized approach to coping. There are other things that can help too, including: Some stimulants and antidepressants … If I need brain radiation, can you do hippocampal-sparing radiation? Complementary and alternative treatments might help you cope with distress, which can contribute to thinking and memory problems in people with cancer. What is the best treatment for my symptoms? This content does not have an English version. “When patients tell me they have these symptoms, I take it seriously.” Several factors combine to cause chemo brain. Cognitive impairment has been defined as a decline in function in one or multiple cognitive domains, including attention and concentration, executive function, information processing speed, language, visuospatial skill, psychomotor ability, and/or learning and memory. In fact, I had recently spent a lot of … What websites do you recommend? Meditation 4. It seemed a ridiculous notion to me at the time. Medical Clinics of North America. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Animal studies have shown that chemotherapy may cause temporary reductions in cell growth in brain areas (such as the hippocampus) that control learning and memory. Some treatment, including certain forms of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy, can also cause cognitive dysfunction, meaning they can directly or indirectly disrupt, damage or alter normal brain … When did you first begin experiencing these symptoms? Exercise 3. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Chemo brain symptoms include: Mild … You can also call it chemo brain or chemo fog. Medications that are sometimes used in people with these symptoms include: You can take steps to ease chemo brain symptoms on your own. If you're interested in trying alternative treatments for your symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Chemo brain was one of the things I read and heard about as I was started my chemo. Some patients might have more trouble with memory while another might struggle with focus. October 12, 2012 — "Chemo brain" — the cognitive impairment often reported in cancer survivors who have received chemotherapy — can be significantly improved with computerized brain … Medications approved for other conditions may be considered if you and your doctor agree they may offer some benefit. Your goals are our goals. Patient Resources Doctors sometimes refer to this as cognitive rehabilitation or cognitive remediation. For that reason, researchers studied whether an omega-3 fatty acids-rich diet would help decrease chemotherapy… If you've completed treatment, you might start by making an appointment with your family doctor. For chemo brain, some basic questions to ask your doctor might include: In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask any other questions that occur to you. Some studies estimate that 70% of people who go through chemotherapy have chemo brain. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, brain scans or other tests to rule out other causes of memory problems. Neurologic complications. As part of chemo brain therapy, a speech language pathologist determines your cognitive functioning. Chemo brain affects everyday life for many people with cancer. You might find it helpful to: If you're currently undergoing cancer treatment, talk to your oncologist about your signs and symptoms. We provide life-changing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and specialized rehabilitative services. Instead, the team hopes that natural interventions might be uncovered that can ward off the damage that results from chemo brain. Examples of treatments that might help include: Chemo brain symptoms can be frustrating and debilitating. To learn more about cancer and mental health, click here. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. It can help reduce, as much as possible, some of the typical symptoms of chemo brain… Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. Accessed Jan. 17, 2019. The review documented that so far there is no strong evidence … Chemo brain is a sort of mental fog that affects a patient's overall cognitive function. To reduce the cognitive symptoms derived from chemo brain. What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? For instance, try to: No alternative treatments have been found to prevent or cure chemo brain. Accessed Jan. 19, 2019. In most cases, cancer-related memory problems are temporary. About, Notice of Privacy Policy No alternative treatments have been found to prevent or cure chemo brain. Until then, know that this is a common problem that's likely to improve with time. Being ready to answer them may allow more time later to cover points you want to address. This content does not have an Arabic version. Patients with cancer often have referred to such problems as "chemo-brain" or "chemo … 5th ed. Cancer survivors who experience these symptoms often score within normal ranges on memory tests. Individual factors, type of cancer and treatment combine to cause chemo brain. Your doctor may ask: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These treatments can cause short-term, … Giridhar KV (expert opinion). Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, others), a drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Donepezil (Aricept), a drug used in people with Alzheimer's disease, Modafinil (Provigil), a drug used in people with certain sleep disorders, Memantine (Namenda), a drug used to improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease, may help during radiation therapy to the brain. Locations Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Vannorsdall TD. What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms? You can’t remember where your keys are, why you walked into a certain room, or a bunch of other big and little things. Art therapy 2. How do your symptoms affect your everyday life? DeVita VT Jr, et al., eds. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Resources such as Ready For Recovery Cancer Planners, The Mayo Clinic and The American Cancer Society provide useful tips how to cope with and manage chemo brain. Chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction.Though chemo brain is a widely used term, the causes of concentration and memory problems aren't well-understood. What kinds of tests can help determine whether my symptoms are caused by cancer treatment? Researchers are also more positive about natural interventions getting uncovered to ward off damages resulting from ‘chemo brain’. 2017;101:1115. Symptoms can be minor or severe. Learning to adapt and cope with memory changes may involve: No medications have been approved to treat chemo brain. If chemo brain is disrupting your daily life, your doctor may suggest a counselor or psychologist. Brain tumor surgery usually requires at least a few days of recovery in the hospital. Music therapy 5. Relaxation exercises 6. Clinical Advances in Hematology and Oncology. Survivorship. I could think. Are there things I can do on my own, in addition to the treatment you're suggesting, to help improve my memory problems? Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. Spiritual… Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 19, 2019. Cancer-related cognitive impairment refers to problems with memory and/or concentration that patients may experience during and after cancer treatments. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your visit. 17 categorized treatment into pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Cognitive impairment in adults with non-central nervous systems cancer (PDQ). Chemo Brain: the side effect that keeps your friends and family teasing you. Should I see a neuropsychologist? Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. The effect of cancer treatment on cognitive function. The CHEMO-SUPPORT intervention is an effective method for providing patients reassurance and confidence in dealing with treatment-related symptoms at home, according to a study … In: DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. You are not alone! Asher A, et al. Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to other conditions, such as anemia, depression, sleep problems and early menopause, which may worsen memory problems. Make a donation. Treating their cancer will mean trouble with thinking, memory, planning, and finding the right words. All rights reserved. 10th ed. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. These symptoms often are called ‘chemo brain.’ “Chemo brain is real,” said Dr. Arlene Gayle, a Marshfield Clinic oncologist/hematologist. The condition commonly involves cognitive changes including reductions in short-term memory and information-processing speed, and limitations or … Accessed Jan. 17, 2019. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/memory/cognitive-impairment-hp-pdq. Home What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it? A majority of people report cognitive problems during chemo … The time could be longer depending on your age, overall health, … There's hope and many things you can do Some of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients are memory problems, difficulties with multitasking, and … If you're interested in trying alternative treatments for your symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Complementary and alternative treatments might help you cope with distress, which can contribute to thinking and memory problems in people with cancer.Examples of treatments that might help include: 1. Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? The study found that occupational therapy can help people manage some of the contributing factors to chemo brain including mood changes, stress and fatigue. Treatment includes learning exercises to teach your brain to do old tasks in new ways. Even if cancer is not growing in the brain, it can still disrupt systems in the body that end up affecting mental function. To that end, the researchers investigated whether a diet … Do all patients experience chemobrain, or are some patients more likely to get it? Controlling these other factors may make it easier to cope with these symptoms. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. The mystery of chemo brain. In late 2018, the National Cancer Institute recognized BrainHQ as an evidence-based cancer intervention. Symptoms are subtle and often go unnoticed by loved ones. Meanwhile, some interventions chemo brain patients can pursue include exercise and antidepressants in small doses. Dr. Ahles has also investigated potential genetic markers for increased vulnerability to cognitive impairment after cancer treatment, including a form (or allele) of the APOE gene called ε4, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. CogniFit chemo brain activities can help improve a person's cognitive state who has been through a cancer process. Neurocognitive effects. The phrase "chemo brain" has come to be used by cancer survivors to describe changes in memory, attention, concentration, and abilities to perform various mental tasks that are associated with … A professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect memory and thinking (neuropsychologist) can create a plan to help you cope with chemo brain symptoms. Therapy Services With time, you'll find ways to adapt so that concentration will become easier and memory problems may fade. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to offer you personalized care. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Cognitive changes related to cancer therapy. Specialized Techniques Distress management. Chemo brain is most commonly connected with chemotherapy, but other treatments, such as hormone therapy, radiation, and surgery may be associated with it also. The NCI database describes it as an intervention designed to help breast cancer survivors troubled by chemo brain. In some cases, you may be referred to a professional who specializes in helping people cope with memory difficulties (neuropsychologist). 2015;13:1. In a review of treatments for chemobrain, Von Ah et al. Accessed Jan. 25, 2019. Treatment includes learning exercises to teach your brain to do old tasks in new ways. They may go away in time, but can also continue for many years. Other studies have shown that breast cancer survivors who have a variant of the COMT gene, which influences how quickly the brain … There are no tests to diagnose chemo brain. Accessed Jan. 17, 2019. Here's some information to help you get ready and what to expect from your doctor. Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional? List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Find fun ways to work on skills and … Nondiscrimination & Accessibility, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Trouble remembering dates and appointments. If you and your provider think cognitive rehabilitation is right for you, ask for a referral for an evaluation with a related diagnostic code such as “memory loss.”. As part of chemo brain therapy, a speech language pathologist determines your cognitive functioning. BrainHQ is an online brain-training program made by Posit Science. Suffering from "chemo brain"? Brain training is just one strategy for managing chemo brain during and after mesothelioma treatment. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2014. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. My brain was fine. Brain Cancer Treatment Follow-up Care. 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