Chemo Brain is a known side effect for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Some describe it as a mental fog, and others refer to it as Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment.
No matter what you call it, it can be scary for both the patient and their loved ones. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you know there are real effects of Chemo Brain, but there are also tips for how you can manage them.
Symptoms of Chemo Brain
Chemo Brain is a decrease in mental sharpness. Some of the common symptoms include the following changes in behaviors and cognitive abilities:
- Having mental lapses and forgetting things
- Difficulty concentrating
- Not remembering dates, names, or other familiar things
- Trouble multitasking
- Searching for the right words
- Being disorganized and unable to finish certain tasks or learn new ones
These side effects can of course determine when someone should return to normal activities like work, school, or even social events.
Common Causes of Chemo Brain
There are a multitude of reasons why someone develops Chemo Brain while undergoing cancer treatments. The cancer itself can be the catalyst. Drugs, anesthesia during surgery, sleep issues, hormonal changes or treatments, depression, and the person’s age can all contribute to these side effects. Stress and anxiety plus nutritional deficiencies may also add to the causes.
Coping with Chemo Brain in Van Nuys, CA
Someone experiencing Chemo Brain as well as their loved ones each require some reassurance and assistance in coping with these mental changes. The most important thing to remember is that you are not imagining the “brain fog”. It is real, and you are not alone.
The next thing to do: be proactive. Face your limitations and confront them with specific strategies.
- Get Enough Rest: Your brain requires sufficient deep sleep each day to function at its best. If you need to take a nap during the day, embrace the rest. It will help to improve your cognitive functions.
- Eat a Nutritious Diet: Stay away from sugars, alcohol, and dairy products as they all increase inflammation. Make salmon, leafy greens, and fruits part of your weekly diet to counteract the brain fog.
- Dive into Your Smartphone or iPad: Keep it by your side to post reminders, dates, phone numbers, tasks, anything that will help you stay on track. If paper tools work better for you like a calendar, do that instead. Just find something you are comfortable with to keep yourself organized and your mind focused on what’s ahead.
- Try to Relax: Anxiety is not your friend when you are struggling with Chemo Brain. Take part of each day to intentionally do something you love. Garden, read, spend time with your children, watch a movie. Engaging in activities you enjoy will ward off depression and improve cognitive skills. Practicing yoga and meditation are other great options to reduce stress, which in turn improves concentration and memory.
- Get Up and Move: Simple exercise like walking, swimming or riding an exercise bike while watching movies can be the respite you need to rejuvenate your foggy brain.
- Challenge Your Brain: Engage in pastimes like crossword puzzles, word games, or playing scrabble with loved ones. You can also find brand new apps that will challenge your brain.
- One Day at a Time, One Thing at a Time: Go back to square one and don’t overburden yourself trying to do too much. Finish one task before going on to something else.
- Don’t Try to Do It Alone: Ask for help. There are friends and loved ones who are there to help and who understand what you’re going through. Talk to your boss or teacher about reducing assignments and work projects.
Support and Cancer Care Services
Navigating side effects during cancer treatment requires personalized care and compassionate support. Contact Southern California Oncology Medical Group at (818) 782-4104 or reach out through our online contact form for comprehensive guidance and treatment in Van Nuys, CA. You can also explore our specialized cancer treatments and oncology services to learn more about how our expert team helps manage side effects and support your well-being throughout recovery.
