what is the best treatment for chemo brain

Explore

10 Natural Chemo Brain Solutions Yoga. Small studies have shown that yoga practice can help reduce chemo brain. ... Acupuncture. Acupuncture for chemo brain has not been directly studied together. ... Exercise. Studies have revealed that resistance exercise is particularly helpful for chemo brain. ... Meditation. ... Brain Games. ... Gotu Kola. ... Fish Oil. ... Ginseng. ... Neurofeedback. ... Tai Chi. ...

What can I do to help with "chemo brain"?

The herb gotu kola (also known as Centella asiatica) could be helpful for chemo brain because it can protect against oxidative damage to the brain. This omega 3 fatty acid could be beneficial in combating chemo brain. Fish oil may help reduce peroxidation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain.

Is there anything that can help "chemo brain"?

You might find it helpful to:

• Understand that memory problems happen to everyone. Despite your best strategies for dealing with your memory changes, you'll still have the occasional lapse. ...
• Take time each day to relax. Stress can contribute to memory and concentration problems. ...
• Be honest with others about your symptoms. ...

How are you dealing with chemo brain?

Some factors that could increase your risk of suffering chemo brain include:

• certain types of cancer (particularly brain cancer)
• radiation to the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord)
• your age at the time of diagnosis
• the potency of chemo or radiation you’re exposed to
• whole brain radiation therapy

What is chemo brain and how do you cope?

What helps with chemo brain?

Try crossword puzzles or number games to exercise your brain. Take up a new hobby or master a new skill, such as learning to play a musical instrument or learning a language. Exercise your body. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can help you cope with stress, fatigue and depression.

Does chemo brain get better?

Does chemobrain ever go away? For most patients, chemobrain improves within 9-12 months after completing chemotherapy, but many people still have symptoms at the six-month mark. A smaller fraction of people (approximately 10-20%) may have long-term effects.

What long-term effects does chemo have on the brain?

Cognitive difficulties One of the short- and long-term side effects of chemotherapy is mental fogginess, often referred to as “chemo brain.” It includes problems with memory, concentration, and multi-tasking. In some cases, these cognitive challenges persist for several years after treatment is complete.

What is chemo brain and how long does it last?

Commonly called “chemo brain,” it's often described as an overall mental fogginess, and breast cancer patients may find that it lasts for six months after chemotherapy ends, according to a study published in the December 2016 Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Can chemo brain cause personality changes?

Emotional and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, and having trouble sleeping can add to that foggy feeling. Chemo brain can also intensify feelings of frustration or anger. That's OK.

How do people get mentally through chemo?

Preparing Your Mind for ChemotherapyBe prepared, not scared. ... Keep talking to your oncology team. ... Get back-up. ... Speak up about what you need. ... Arrange for help at work. ... Get financial counseling. ... Prepare a comfort bag to bring with you. ... Engage in self-care.

What are symptoms of chemo brain?

Chemo BrainForgetting things that they usually have no trouble remembering (memory lapses)Trouble concentrating (they can't focus on what they're doing, have a short attention span, may easily “space out”)Trouble remembering details like names, dates, and sometimes larger events.More items...•

What are the signs that chemo is not working?

Here are some signs that chemotherapy may not be working as well as expected: tumors aren't shrinking. new tumors keep forming. cancer is spreading to new areas.

Which is harder on the body chemo or radiation?

Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.

Is chemo brain a form of dementia?

Up to 70 percent of cancer patients experience cognitive impairment, including diminished memory, reasoning, and multitasking ability [1][2]. The condition is commonly called “chemo brain” or “chemo fog”, even though chemotherapy is unlikely the sole cause of these cognitive problems.

Should an 80 year old have chemo?

First, there is no reason to deny older people adequate cancer therapy — surgery, chemotherapy, radiation — based on age alone. Individualization is critical; one size does not fit all! While one 80-year-old may tolerate a standard course of chemotherapy perfectly well, the next may not.

Does Adderall help with chemo brain?

Some people find that taking stimulants like methylphenidate (Quillivant ER, Quillichew ER, Ritalin), a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR), or modafinil/armodafinil (Provigil/Nuvigil) can help their fatigue, attention, and concentration during cancer treatment.

What medications are used for chemo brain?

These agents include gingko biloba, modafinil, methaphenidate, antidepressants, and donepezil combined with vitamin E. Many cases of chemo brain are temporary. They go away on their own.

What is chemo brain?

Chemo brain refers to problems with attention, memory, and thinking during cancer treatment. Other names include chemo fog, chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, and cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment. People often think of cognitive impairment (trouble thinking clearly) as a symptom of chemotherapy.

How do you know if you have chemo brain?

Common signs of chemo brain include: Confusion or mental fogginess. Finding it harder to multitask (do more than one activity at a time) Forgetfulness or short attention span. Trouble recalling common words or details such as names and dates.

Why do people get chemo brains?

People may develop chemo brain because of: Cancer treatments other than chemotherapy, such as hormone therapy, and surgery. Problems with sleep and nutrition due to cancer treatment, leading to conditions such as anemia and/or sleep apnea. Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Does chemo brain go away on its own?

Many cases of chemo brain are temporary. They go away on their own. However, other cases last for longer periods of time.

Can chemo cause brain damage?

Doctors do not always know what causes chemo brain. It can be a side effect of chemotherapy, as some chemotherapy drugs are able to get through the blood-brain barrier. But different issues related to cancer and its treatment may also lead to this symptom. People may develop chemo brain because of:

Can chemo brain be diagnosed?

There are no tests to diagnose chemo brain. Doctor s diagnose it based on your description of cognitive problems.

What to do if you have chemo brain?

If you have chemo brain that persists and you’ve tried all the self-help tips, talk with a neuropsychologist. This is a doctor who specializes in the brain and can help with attention span and memory. They will find areas where you need help and tell you if other treatable problems like depression, anxiety, and fatigue are to blame.

What are the symptoms of chemo brain?

Symptoms include trouble with: Concentrating and paying attention. Remembering names, dates, and everyday things. Finding the right word or doing simple math (like balancing your checkbook) Doing more than one thing at a time. Mood swings.

What to do if you are in a mental fog?

If you’re in a mental fog, talk to your medical provider. They will ask about your symptoms.They will also want to know when your problems started and how they affect your everyday life. Your doctor may ask what makes your symptoms worse and better.

Does cancer cause changes in the brain?

You’re not just imagining this. Studies show that cancer and its treatment causes changes in the brain.

Does chemotherapy help with cancer?

Chemotherapy can help you fight cancer, but side effects are almost certain. It’s common for you to have a cloudy mind, called "chemo brain ," during and after treatment. Maybe you have a hard time remembering names or can’t multitask as well as you used to.

What is the best treatment for brain tumors?

Surgery is the most common treatment for brain tumors, and in a lot of cases it’s the only treatment needed. There are numerous surgical approaches to remove brain tumors depending on their size and location.

How to recover from brain tumor?

To regain some of the affected skills and functions after brain tumor treatment, you may need to stay at a rehabilitation facility, or perform therapy at home or at an outpatient facility. Your doctor will help determine the best type of rehabilitation care.

What type of radiation therapy is used for metastatic brain tumors?

External beam radiation therapy: The most common type of radiation therapy for brain tumors, it can be directed to the tumor and nearby brain tissue or to the whole brain. Whole-brain radiation is sometimes used to treat metastatic brain tumors, especially when there are multiple metastatic tumors throughout the brain, including tumors that are too small to be seen on a scan.

What is a biopsy of brain tumors?

Biopsy: Doctors take a small sample of brain tumor tissue to examine under a microscope.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted drug therapies are medications that selectively attack specific cell traits to halt a tumor’s spread. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapies spare healthy tissue, so they generally have fewer, milder side effects. These drugs are most often used to treat metastatic brain tumors and are frequently paired with other therapies like surgery or radiation.

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are an important form of clinical research. They are designed to test new therapies or diagnostic techniques in patients. In general, clinical trials address whether a new treatment or technique is safe and more effective than existing therapies. Brain tumor clinical trials are frequently focused on finding new ways to manage malignant brain tumors.

Why do surgeons enter the brain through other parts of the body?

Neuroendoscopy: Surgeons enter the brain through other parts of the body, like the nose, to better reach certain regions and minimize scarring.

How to manage chemo brain?

Another thing you can do to better manage chemo brain is tell family, friends, and your cancer care team about it. Finding and getting support is important. Let them know what you’re going through. You may feel relieved once you tell people about the problems you sometimes have with your memory or thinking.

What are the risks of chemo brain?

Certain things can increase the risk of developing chemo brain or worsening brain function problems. These include: The cancer itself, for example brain tumors. Other drugs used as part of treatment, such as steroids, anti-nausea, or pain medicines. Other conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

How to help cancer patients cope with cognitive problems?

Meditation: Meditation can help improve brain function by increasing your focus and awareness. Talk to your cancer care team about these treatment suggestions and other options they may recommend to help you cope with any cognitive problems.

What is the term for the mental cloudiness of cancer patients?

This cloudiness or mental change is commonly referred to as chemo brain . Doctors and researchers may call chemo brain many things, such as cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment, cancer-related cognitive change, or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. The word "cognitive" refers to the way your brain works to help you communicate, think, learn, solve problems, and remember.

What is cognitive rehabilitation?

Cognitive rehabilitation: This might be part of a cancer rehabilitation (rehab) program. It includes activities to improve brain function such as learning how the brain works and ways to take in new information and performing new tasks; doing some activities over and over that become harder with time; and using tools to help stay organized such as planners or diaries.

Can chemo cause brain damage?

Chemo brain is most commonly connected with chemotherapy, but other treatments, such as hormone therapy, radiation, and surgery may be associated with it also. These treatments can cause short-term, long-term, or delayed mental changes or cognitive problems. Beyond the chemo brain symptoms that start during and just after treatment, there are some cases where chemo brain symptoms start and continue after treatment is over. Some people with cancer have very real brain problems even though they haven’t had chemo.

Can you have brain problems after chemo?

Beyond the chemo brain symptoms that start during and just after treatment, there are some cases where chemo brain symptoms start and continue after treatment is over. Some people with cancer have very real brain problems even though they haven’t had chemo.

What is chemo brain?

Overview. Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. Chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. Though chemo brain is a widely used term, the causes of concentration ...

What causes chemo brain cancer?

Inherited susceptibility to chemo brain. Medications for other cancer-related signs and symptoms, such as pain medications. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, depression, anxiety and nutritional deficiency.

What to do if you have memory problems?

If you experience severe memory or concentration problems that make it difficult to do your job, tell your doctor. You may be referred to an occupational therapist or a neuropsychologist, who can help you adjust to your current job or identify your strengths so that you may find a new job.

What are the factors that increase the risk of memory problems in cancer survivors?

Factors that may increase the risk of memory problems in cancer survivors include: Brain cancer. Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the brain. Higher doses of chemotherapy or radiation. Radiation therapy to the brain. Younger age at time of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Increasing age.

Can you return to work after chemo?

Most cancer survivors will return to work, but some will find tasks take extra concentration or time. Others may be unable to return to work.

Can you get disability for memory and concentration?

In rare cases, people with memory and concentration problems are unable to work and may consider applying for disability benefits. Ask your health care team for a referral to an oncology social worker or a similar professional who can help you understand your options.

Can cancer cause changes in thinking?

Cancers that begin in the brain or spread to the brain might cause changes in thinking

How long does it take for chemo brain to go away?

Does chemobrain ever go away? For most patients, chemobrain improves within 9-12 months after completing chemotherapy, but many people still have symptoms at the six-month mark. A smaller fraction of people (approximately 10-20%) may have long-term effects.

How long does it take for a person to recover from chemo?

It could be natural improvement, which can continue gradually in the first 1-3 years after chemotherapy, or it could be related to improved sleep, anxiety, and mood – all of which can impair cognition. Or you may have developed compensatory strategies.

How to get a complete picture of cognitive functioning?

The best way to get a complete picture of your cognitive functioning is to have neuropsychological testing. Your oncologist can refer you for this evaluation. Information from neuropsychological testing can also be extremely helpful to share with your employer or school if you are hoping to get accommodations at work or extra time for exams, homework etc.

Why do stem cells cause cognitive problems?

Cognitive problems after a stem cell transplant are very common and can be caused by a number of factors, including steroids and tacrolimus, as well as pain and anxiety medications . Because patients are immunosuppressed, we do also consider infections, which occur at times. If you are noticing worsening cognitive symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor.

What is the term for mental fogging after cancer treatment?

Many patients experience "chemobrain" — mental clouding or fogginess — during and after cancer treatment.

What is the best medication for fatigue?

Some people benefit from taking stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Adderall), or modafinil/armodafinil (Provigil/Nuvigil). These tend to be most helpful for fatigue and improving attention and concentration.

Does chemotherapy affect the brain?

Animal studies have shown that chemotherapy may cause temporary reductions in cell growth in brain areas (such as the hippocampus) that control learning and memory.

What is the treatment for brain tumors?

Radiation therapy (also called “radiotherapy,” “irradiation,” or simply “radiation”) is another standard treatment that many brain tumor patients will receive. Radiation therapy involves the use of x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors by damaging their DNA.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat brain tumors?

A number of different chemotherapies are approved for use in brain tumors: Temozolomide (or Temodar or TMZ): An oral chemo drug most often prescribed to patients with high-grade gliomas. Nitrosourea: A class of chemotherapies that include two drugs – Lomustine (CCNU) and Carmustine (BCNU or BiCNU) – sometimes used in treatment of malignant gliomas.

How is chemo provided?

Chemotherapy can be provided to the patient in three forms: Chemotherapy wafers inserted directly into a resection cavity (the area in the brain where the tumor was located) during surgery. Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy provided by injection (or infusion) of the drug directly into a patient’s vein.

What is the drug used to treat glioblastoma?

Avastin (bevacizumab): An anti-cancer drug that targets tumor induced new blood vessel formation. It is currently approved to treat recurrent glioblastoma patients. Read more about Avastin and its FDA approval.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy (often abbreviated as “chemo”) refers to chemical compounds – or drugs – that kill fast-dividing cells, like cancer cells. It is prescribed when surgery and/or radiation are not enough to remove a tumor and is used most often for treatment of malignant tumors.

Is irinotecan used for gliomas?

On rare occasions the chemotherapy drug Irinotecan (Camptosar) is sometimes used “off-label” in gliomas.

Can patients search for clinical trials?

Patients and caregivers can search for clinical trials using the NBTS Clinical Trial Finder.

How to live a happy life after brain cancer?

In general, live in the moment. Do not worry about what could be. Focus on what’s going on right now. When you hear brain cancer you think the worst, but many people live a long happy life. Giselle. Cancer is a big deal, but don’t let cancer rule your life.

How many brain tumors did Giselle have?

Giselle shares her treatment journey with five brain tumors over 23 years and the lifelong impact. She also shares important advice to manage chemotherapy and stay positive.

Does temozolomide cause headaches?

As with any treatment, each person may react to treatments differently. Some side effects I have experienced with temozolomide are headaches and nauseousness. For lapatinib, I have not noticed any side effects. I do not have the same energy level when I am on chemotherapy. I sleep a lot, sometimes 12 to 15 hours a day.

Diagnosis

• There are no tests to diagnose chemo brain. Cancer survivors who experience these symptoms often score within normal ranges on memory tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, brain scans or other tests to rule out other causes of memory problems.

See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment