What Is ‘Chemo Brain’? Understanding Memory Issues During Chemotherapy

What is Chemo Brain?

Chemobrain, or chemofog, is also known as chemotherapy- induced cognitive impairment (CICI). This term often refers to the condition when the patient used to experience issues with memory, thinking and comprehensiveness, during and after cancer treatments especially chemotherapy. In most cases, patients experience issues with concentrating, problems with multitasking, and trouble finding correct words or completing day to day tasks.

If you are recently diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatments, and after the cancer diagnosis if your thoughts are unclear and feeling difficult to put right words, then it could be due to chemobrain, while these are temporary situations.

Many studies suggest that 70%-75% of patients experience cognitive and memory issues during or after major cancer treatments. While 25% to 30% of patients experience symptoms just before the treatment begins!

What Causes Chemo Brain?

There are several factors that contribute to chemo brain in patients, mainly including cancer itself. Additionally, its treatments and treatment-related side effects can also cause brain fog. In some patients, the cancer diagnosis can also cause stress and lead to unclear thinking.

The stress of a cancer diagnosis which often causes anxiety and worry in many patients. All of these increase the risk of developing memory issues and inability to think properly. 

There are some types of cancers that release chemicals that affect memory. Some cancers release begins in the brain or in some cases, cancer spreads to the brain might cause changes in unclear and unclogged thinking.  

While performing some treatments can also cause chemo brain in patients, including:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell transplant
• Cancer surgery

While there are some contributing factors (risk factors) to cause brain fog in patients, including:

• Anemia
• Hormone changes ( early menopause)
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep issues
• Fatigue
• Infection

How does Chemo Brain affect the life of patients?

Cancer patients with cognitive challenges, especially chemo brain, can have a significant impact on their everyday life. 

Here are some areas patients face challenges that affect their lives.

• Work and career: For patients who work during chemotherapy, remembering work deadlines, staying focused during meetings, or completing tasks can become increasingly difficult. It can be especially challenging in jobs that require high levels of attention, concentration and multi-tasking.
• Social interactions with people: In some cases, patients often find it difficult to have conversations with people, and some conversations can get more difficult when individuals struggle to find the right words or keep track of the topic. It can often lead to frustration, embarrassment, and withdrawal from social connections and interactions. 
• Personal life: Tasks like managing the household chores, remembering to take medications, or planning daily activities can feel overwhelming. People with chemobrain might experience a lack of confidence in their ability to manage routine responsibilities. 
• Emotional well-being: Patients with cognitive issues often face feelings of frustration, depression, and anxiety. The sense of losing your mental sharpness can be distressing, especially when combined with other side effects of treatments.

Consult Today

Chemobrain is a real and common side effect of chemotherapy. Most cancer patients face many cognitive difficulties, and this can be frustrating to handle because most patients often face memory loss. It’s important to remember that all of these symptoms are temporary, and they can improve over time. While managing the chemobrain often requires patience, emotional support, and the use of healing strategies to help to cope with memory issues and brain fog.

At Oncare, we offer premium quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of cancer.