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Managing Forgetfulness and the Inability to Concentrate From Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy has been associated in some patients
with cognitive
deficits—problems
with thinking, learning, and memory.1
Cognitive deficits may include forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating.
Research has demonstrated that chemotherapy can
have a negative impact on cognitive functioning.1
How chemotherapy might cause cognitive deficits is not
clear at this time.
Your problems with memory and concentration may
improve once you complete your chemotherapy, but there
is also a possibility that these will be long-term
problems.1
Other factors that contribute to memory and concentration
problems include:1
- Aging
- Depression
- Menopause
- Low blood counts
- Medications
- Mental and emotional stress of coping with cancer
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"Chemobrain"
Some cancer patients refer to the forgetfulness or inability to concentrate
that chemotherapy can have on cognitive functioning as "chemobrain."
How chemotherapy might cause
cognitive deficits is not clear
at this time.
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Treating "Chemobrain"
At this time, there are no proven treatments for cognitive deficits associated with chemotherapy. Scientists are studying possible treatments to help relieve this side effect.1
Some researchers believe that helping patients change certain behavior patterns may provide some benefit.1
Other Actions to Manage "Chemobrain"
Problems with memory and concentration can be very frustrating. While there may not be confirmed treatments at this time, there are things you can do to reduce the impact these problems have on your everyday life:1
- Minimize distractions when you need to complete tasks that require concentration.
- Use a daily organizer to help you remember appointments.
- Keep a journal of daily events and activities.
- Carry a notebook, and use it to write down important information that you want to remember.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Exercise daily.
- Manage stress.
Learn more about how you can best manage other types of chemotherapy side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are experiencing memory problems and ask about other things you can do to manage your condition.
1. Chemo brain. American Cancer Society. Updated June 16, 2009. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_Chemobrain.asp?sitearea=MBC. Accessed June 4, 2010.
Understanding Cancer –
Chemotherapy Side Effects –
Treating Cancer in Other Ways
Tracking Your Test Results –
Understanding Insurance and Tax Issues
Chemotherapy Resources and Organizations –
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