Unable to Concentrate After Cancer Treatment? Forgetful? It May Be 'Chemo Brain'

Coping with the Cognitive Effects of Chemotherapy

By Lisa Fayed, About.com Guide

Updated November 14, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Cancer survivors who have gone through chemotherapy treatment often report changes in memory, shortened attention spans, and difficulty concentrating following treatment. These symptoms continue to plague some cancer survivors years after ending treatment.

The medical term for this condition is cognitive deficit; however it is commonly referred as “chemo brain” among patients and survivors.

Declining cognitive abilities in cancer survivors isn’t always caused by chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society estimates that 25 percent of people who experience chemo brain symptoms do so because of chemotherapy treatment. The remaining percentage can be attributed to other conditions such as depression, anemia, aging, menopause, and side effects of other medications.

No Clear Cause for Chemo Brain

Up until recently, doctors all too often dismissed complaints about memory and concentration. Instead, these symptoms were often attributed to stress, emotional effects of cancer, or other medications. New research has confirmed a trend between chemotherapy and cognitive abilities, but it hasn’t identified a cause. Researchers also are unable to identify who is more at risk of developing a decline in cognitive functions.

If you are experiencing signs of chemo brain, report them to your doctor. Your doctor may evaluate you for depression and other conditions to determine the cause of the symptoms. Currently there is no specific treatment or cure for chemo brain -- only recommendations for managing it. In some cases, doctors may prescribe a medication used to treat attention deficit disorder to increase mental acuity. For women with chemotherapy-related menopause, treating the menopause may improve cognitive function.

Tips for Managing Chemo Brain 

Lighten work load if possible.
Keep pen and paper handy at all times to write down important information.
Use a daily organizer.
Get adequate sleep.
Eat nutritious, balanced meals.
Carry a mini recording device to record important conversations.
Make daily “To Do” lists.

_Source:

Tannock, Ian, Tim A. Ahles, Patricia A. Ganz, Frits S. van Dam. "Cognitive Impairment Associated With Chemotherapy for Cancer: Report of a Workshop." Journal of Clinical Oncology 22, No 11(2004): 2233-2239.

http://cancer.about.com/od/chemotherapysideeffects/a/chemobrain.htm