Chemobrain - Brain Cancer And The Brain

Cancer is a terrible disease. Unfortunately, too many of us have seen families and friends pass away. We shall not discuss here the terrible and usual consequences cancer has on individuals. What I want to discuss here is something less well-known. The effects cancer and chemotherapy have on the brain. We usually see cancer as something that affects our bodies. However, there is more to it. The brain is not only impacted psychologically but also cognitively.

The term chemo brain is commonly associated with cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems which can occur as a result of chemo therapy or radiation therapy treatments. Chemo brain has also been referred to a chemo fog, cognitive changes or cognitive deterioration.

Although chemo brain is commonly used term, it is not fully understood nor completely accepted if the chemotherapy is really a cause of concentration and memory problems. It has also been shown that a number of cancer survivors with memory problems can still score well on cognitive tests.

But it is generally accepted that chemotherapy can create memory problems for patients and it can become a very frustrating and debilitating situation. However more study is required to better understand this problem. It is not altogether clear that a direct link is present at all.

But some typical signs and symptoms of the problem can include:

• Becoming highly disorganized

• Overall confusion in many types of situations

• Difficulty concentrating

• Difficulty in learning new tasks and skills

• Difficulty in multitasking

• Fatigue

• A feeling of mental fogginess

• A short attention span

• Short term memory problems

• Taking longer than usual to complete common tasks

• Trouble with verbal memory such as Recalling a recent conversation

• Problems with visual memory, how to remember a list of words or a visual image

The types of symptoms experienced vary from patient to patient. However, these symptoms are usually temporary and may disappear within two years to complete the treatment of cancer in most cases.

But while the chemo-brain occurs, it is unclear how they affect different symptoms. In some cases there may be external shocks due to lack ofof sleeping medication, depression and other that can be taken simultaneously.

It is very important for the patient and his / her doctor to understand all the possible symptoms and try to make the changes necessary to continue with effective treatment and minimize the impact of mental function.

This is the best way to help balance the most effective treatment possible with the potential for full mental capacity and performance.

Many studies and investigations are still to be done. II always believe that as a result of an effective training program of the brain, which may improve some cognitive abilities that have been affected by chemotherapy. If this can help, worth a try.

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