Chemo Brain: What Is It, Problems Faced, What To Do, And More

Chemo Brain: What Are The Problems Faced By Patients

As per Ms. Vaishali Arora, a clinical psychologist at Lissun, a mental health platform, chemobrain or chemo fog is a set of cognitive impairments that people experience during or after cancer. "They may have trouble remembering things, focusing, finishing tasks, or learning something new," she says.

Dr. Priya Tiwari, head of the medical oncology department at Artemis Hospitals, adds, "The patient will have memory lapses, concentration problems, and mental fogginess, making everyday life challenging."

While the exact reason for chemo brain or chemo fog remains unknown, "research indicates that chemotherapy interferes with the way the brain functions by altering neural pathways and interfering with healthy brain cells," adds Dr. Tiwari.

As mentioned earlier, chemotherapy drugs cannot differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, so many times, they impact healthy cells in the brain, "particularly those that control memory and cognitive functions. These effects are usually worsened by stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes brought about by the cancer treatment," the doctor mentions.

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Cognitive Changes Brought Over by Chemo Brain

According to Ms. Arora, patients often experience a range of cognitive difficulties, including:

• Memory problems – Forgetting names, appointments, or misplaced items.
• Difficulty concentrating – Struggling to focus on tasks or conversations.
• Slower thinking – Taking longer to process and respond to information.
• Word-finding issues – Having trouble recalling specific words.
• Reduced multitasking ability – Finding it harder to juggle multiple tasks at once.

As for the psychological impact of chemo brain, it can severely affect a person's emotional well-being, says Ms. Arora. She adds, "Many individuals experience frustration, embarrassment, or self-doubt as they struggle with tasks they previously managed with ease. Anxiety and depression may arise due to concerns about permanent cognitive decline or the impact on professional and personal life."

Many others may isolate themselves and withdraw from social interactions "out of fear of making mistakes in conversations. Patients who once prided themselves on their intelligence or efficiency may struggle with a diminished sense of identity," she highlights.

How to Tackle Chemo Brain

According to Ms. Arora and Dr. Tiwari, a person having chemo brain can take the following steps to tackle the situation:

• Simplify tasks
• Avoid multitasking
• Take assistance of trackers, reminders, and lists to stay organised
• Engage in brain-training exercises like puzzles and memory games to strengthen cognitive function
• Reduce stress with relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation
• Maintain an enriching lifestyle with regular exercise, a diet consisting of antioxidants and amino acids, and quality sleep
• Seek support from therapists or support groups to develop coping strategies and regain confidence in daily functioning.

"It is very important for chemotherapy patients to express any cognitive concerns they have with the doctor. Supportive care improves the quality of life, especially during and after receiving their treatments," wraps up Dr. Tiwari.

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