New Delhi: The diagnosis of Big C- cancer- brings in a deluge of emotions, uncertainties, and challenges that extend beyond the physical disease. Often identified as a side effect of chemotherapy, chemo brain or chemo fog, is are cognitive impairment that people experience during or after cancer. Some people with cancer notice that they can’t think as clearly as they used to. They may have trouble remembering things, focusing, finishing tasks, or learning something new.
Vaishali Arora, Clinical Psychologist at Lissun, Mental Health Platform, listed the following changes that are most likely to occur.
Common cognitive changes due to chemo brain
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.
These changes can interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning, leading to frustration, anxiety, and a reduced sense of self-efficacy.
Psychological Impact of Chemo Brain
Cognitive impairments can significantly affect a patient’s emotional well-being. 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. Some patients withdraw socially out of fear of making mistakes in conversations, which can lead to isolation.
Cancer is already a life-altering diagnosis, and the added challenge of cognitive impairment can heighten feelings of unpredictability and helplessness. Patients who once prided themselves on their intelligence or efficiency may struggle with a diminished sense of identity.
To manage chemo brain, simplify tasks, and avoid multitasking. The assistance of trackers, reminders, and lists can help the patient 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.
Dr. Priya Tiwari, Head – Medical Oncology, Artemis Hospitals, also spoke about chemo brain and cognitive changes that occur during treatment.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that causes cognitive impairments, which are referred to as “chemo brain.” The patient will have memory lapses, concentration problems, and mental fogginess, making everyday life challenging. The exact cause of chemo brain is not known, but research indicates that chemotherapy interferes with the way the brain functions by altering neural pathways and interfering with healthy brain cells.
Chemotherapy drugs, which are intended to kill the rapidly dividing cells of cancer, do not distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells. Some of these drugs can 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. Chemo brain is often associated with neuroinflammation, a process by which the immune system’s reaction to chemotherapy could cause swelling and changes in the brain’s functioning.
Chemotherapy can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, thereby changing brain metabolism and cognitive processing.
Patients may have difficulties with tasks requiring sustained attention or multitasking. They may complain of problems with verbal fluency or remembering names, which would impact both their personal and professional lives. Such cognitive changes are often long-term, lasting for months or years after treatment; however, many patients improve with time.
It is very important for chemotherapy patients to express any cognitive concerns they have to the doctor. Cognitive rehabilitation and strategies for mental exercises, physical activity, and sleep can help a patient manage symptoms of chemo brain and maintain a healthy brain. Supportive care improves the quality of life, especially during and after receiving their treatments.
To manage chemo brain, simplify tasks, and avoid multitasking. The assistance of trackers, reminders, and lists can help the patient stay organised. Engage in brain-training exercises like puzzles and memory games to strengthen cognitive function. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
