Many people going through treatment for cancer may experience whats commonly referred to as chemo brain.
This has been described as mental fogginess or forgetfulness in some people.
Sensations of chemo brain can include:
Symptom Onset
Chemo brain can start during or after treatment.
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Symptom Duration
The duration of chemo brain varies greatly.
Why Exactly Does Chemo Affect the Brain?
These factors can include:
All of these things can have an impact on the brain and cognition.
Cancer can also impact cognition even without chemotherapy.
Long-Term Impact
Even minor cognitive impairment has been shown to significantly impact quality of life and self-image.
Social interactions may become overwhelming or cause anxiety for some because of fears regarding their reduced cognitive functioning.
More research is needed to determine the definitive underlying causes, but it is likely a combination of factors.
Chemo Brain vs. Dementia: Related or Unrelated?
While chemo brain anddementiashare symptoms, they are two different conditions.
Chemo brain is directly sparked by chemotherapy and is often reversible or lessens over time.
Dementia causes cognitive changes due to degeneration in the brain and is progressive.
Sometimes changes are needed to medications.
Before starting any exercise routine, check with your healthcare providers to double-check it’s safe to do so.
Summary
Chemo brain affects most people going through cancer treatment.
However, for some people, the symptoms can linger for years.
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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Tips for managing chemo brain.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Dementias.
