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Managing Forgetfulness and Inability to Concentrate
Chemotherapy has been associated in some patients
with cognitive
deficits—problems
with thinking, learning, and memory.31
Cognitive deficits may include forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating.
Research has demonstrated that chemotherapy can
have a negative impact on cognitive functioning.31 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.
Other factors that contribute to memory and concentration
problems include:
- 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.
Some researchers believe that helping patients change certain behavior patterns may provide some benefit.32
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:
- 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.
UNDERSTANDING CANCER
TREATING CANCER WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
TREATING CANCER IN OTHER WAYS
TRACKING YOUR TEST RESULTS
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND TAX ISSUES: INSURANCE TIPS
WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CANCER INFORMATION
FOR CAREGIVERS
GLOSSARY OF CANCER TERMS
REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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