For many cancer patients, chemotherapy is a necessary evil. While it’s a life-saving treatment appropriate for healing, it comes with a cost. Chemo can cause a range of side effects, some of which may linger long after chemo treatments end. One of these complications is “chemo brain,” which refers to the cognitive changes that occur with chemo. Chemo brain is characterized by forgetfulness, brain fog, and problems focusing.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help support brain function for those who are dealing with chemobrain. Below, we’ll explore what chemo brain is, chemo brain symptoms, how long it lasts, what recent research says, existing brain fog treatments, and how to help restore mental clarity.
What Causes Chemo Brain After Treatment?
Chemo brain is a diagnosis in some cases — it’s called chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction (CICD). This condition is caused by several factors:
- Non-specificity of chemotherapy drugs: One problem with chemotherapy is that the drugs are nonspecific. While you may not be receiving chemo for brain cancer, the chemotherapy may still affect your brain — causing chemo brain fog.
- Inflammation: Chemotherapy may also cause chronic inflammation, which can affect several body systems — including the brain and nervous system. Chronic inflammation may contribute to brain fog symptoms.
- Poor sleep: Poor sleep, no matter the cause, is a major contributor to mental fog. Someone who is on chemotherapy may have several reasons for poor sleep, including chemo side effects, insomnia from stress, side effects of other medications, and more.
- Stress: Finally, stress is a major cause of reduced cognitive decline. Unfortunately, people with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy are likely experiencing extreme mental stress due to cancer, not to mention anything else that may be going on in their lives.
How Long Do Cognitive Effects Last?
Does chemo brain ever go away? How long does chemo brain last? Cognitive side effects from chemotherapy may persist for a while after stopping chemo treatments, but this depends on several factors. These include:
- Chemotherapy type
- Chemotherapy dose
- Individual health and medical history
- Age
- Other lifestyle or environmental factors, like smoking, air quality, sleep, diet, etc.
New Research on Brain Recovery
Researchers are actively studying brain recovery therapies and strategies to help people dealing with chemo brain. Some of the most promising research is within the following domains:
- Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and “rewire” itself. Researchers have discovered that several factors contribute to neuroplasticity — including mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, cognitive training, and even mentally stimulating activities such as memory games or learning new skills.
- Nutrition: Nutrition is key to ensuring that your brain has the nutrients it needs to perform well. This includes important nutrients such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as non-nutrient compounds found in food such as antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics.
- Physical activity: An active body may help promote an active mind. Researchers have found that exercise helps with mood, stress reduction, memory, and overall brain health.
- Medications: Finally, researchers are also considering the possibility of new or existing medications to relieve chemo symptoms like brain fog.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
Several lifestyle changes may serve as mental fog remedies, while also helping support overall health. Some examples include:
- Sleep hygiene: Sleep is vital for recovery, healing, and optimal brain function. Even if you don’t sleep well, you can improve your sleep hygiene by ensuring your bedroom is cool and dark and keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time.
- Regular exercise: Aerobic exercise like walking, dancing, sports, flow yoga, biking, or swimming help regulate stress relief. Regular exercise may also help you sleep better. Some research shows exercise can be helpful for mental clarity, too.
- Balanced diet: Diet affects every aspect of your life, including brain health and function. Aim to eat a balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, fermented foods, and healthy fats to ensure your body is getting the nutrition it needs to function well.
- Stress reduction: Stress is terrible for your health, but it can be a challenge to bring your stress levels under control. Mindfulness exercises, eating well, regular exercise, and therapy may help you reduce your stress.
- Mental activity: Activities that engage your brain may help you return to baseline, thanks to the concept of neuroplasticity. Reading, doing puzzle books, playing games, learning a language, or learning an instrument are some examples, but be sure to choose something that’s both mentally stimulating and enjoyable for you.
Best Strategies for Regaining Focus
While dealing with chemo brain, it’s important to go easy on yourself and incorporate some strategies to help you manage your time, complete tasks, and remember important to-dos or events. Here are some approaches that may be helpful:
- Technology: Smart devices and apps can be a huge help for people dealing with chemo brain. For instance, there are calendar apps that sync across all your devices, so you can view and receive reminders about your schedule from any device. Voice activated smart home devices can be used to set timers and reminders, add items to your calendar or to-do list, or look up recipes, weather, or traffic information. For many people, they can serve as a “second brain.”
- Break down tasks: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable sections may also make it easier to be productive while dealing with brain fog and fatigue.
- Social connection: Be sure to spend time connecting with your loved ones, too. Not only are they a source of practical help, but quality time with people you care about reduces stress and may help alleviate cognitive symptoms.
- Patience: Go easy on yourself. Cancer and chemotherapy aren’t easy. You may not be as productive or sharp as you once were while you’re on chemo, and that’s OK. For healing, it’s important to prioritize rest and stress reduction.
- Professional help: Finally, you may want to consider professional help — which can come in many forms. If it fits your budget, you can outsource house cleaning and grocery shopping to professionals. You may also want to consider working with a therapist who works with cancer patients or who specializes in cognitive therapies.
Key Takeaways
Chemo brain is a common and frustrating side effect of chemotherapy treatment, but it won’t last forever. New research on neuroplasticity, nutrition, and exercise for brain health offers exciting potential for brain fog treatment. Lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact on brain function and memory. In addition, several practical ways to support your patience, perseverance, and a proactive approach are key to navigating this challenging aspect of cancer recovery.