By Diane Blum, MSW
Problems with memory and concentration, along with a general feeling of not functioning
mentally as well as usual, are informally referred to by patients as “chemobrain.” Health care
professionals call these symptoms cognitive deficits.
If you are experiencing the following problems, you may be experiencing chemobrain:
- Memory loss
- Trouble paying attention
- Trouble finding the right word
- New learning
- Managing daily activities
People often notice these problems during chemotherapy treatment. Within one year of treatment, people often find these difficulties to greatly improve or no longer exist. However, for some people, chemobrain can continue for years following completion of treatment.
Causes of Chemobrain
Researchers are uncertain of the exact causes of these difficulties, but they are currently
studying this problem in order to find ways to both treat and prevent it.
The causes of long lasting chemobrain (more than one year after treatment) are not known.
However, there are a number of very treatable factors that can cause temporary but similar problems in people undergoing chemotherapy. These include:
- Low blood counts
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Medication to treat side effects
- Hormonal changes resulting from some cancer treatments
So tell your doctor if you’re having trouble with your memory or notice any other symptoms of chemobrain. He or she can help eliminate some of the factors that can also cause cognitive problems. For example, medication that treats nausea can make you less alert and affect your ability to think clearly. A simple change to your prescription may make a real difference in how you feel.
What Can You Do?
There are things you can do to help yourself.
Please see Combating Chemobrain: Keeping your Memory Sharp from CancerCare for helpful tips.
Neuropsychologists Can Help
If one year has passed since you have completed chemotherapy and you have tried self-help techniques to cope but are still troubled by memory and related problems, you will need a professional evaluation. Professionals who are skilled at assessing and treating the symptoms of chemobrain are called neuropsychologists.
Neuropsychologists are psychologists with special training that prepares them to help people experiencing trouble in areas such as attention, new learning, organization, and memory. These doctors will do a complete evaluation and determine if there are any treatable problems such as depression, anxiety, medication, and fatigue. They also identify the areas in which you need assistance, as well as your areas of strength.
After their evaluation is complete, neuropsychologists may suggest cognitive remediation or cognitive rehabilitation. This process involves working with a professional on problem areas, and developing a plan that helps improve your functioning so you can better manage your daily life.
Remediation should also include practical ways that you can address your specific areas of concern.
How can you find a neuropsychologist?
Professional organizations can refer you to a qualified neuropsychologist. These are listed in the
resource section of this hand-out. You can also ask your physician for a referral. Once you have found a neuropsychologist, work with him or her to determine your insurance coverage for an evaluation and cognitive remediation. Some Medicare and Medicaid plans, and private insurers pay for these services, but coverage varies so it is important to have this information before deciding on a treatment plan.
What Is the Role of Oncology Social Workers with Chemobrain?
Talking this over with a social worker who understands cancer issues can be very helpful.
Oncology (cancer) social workers are trained to help individuals cope with the emotional impact of these types of problems.
CancerCare’s has a staff of professionally trained oncology social workers who can work with you to develop a plan to help you address these difficulties, including referrals to resources. They offer detailed advice on the telephone, online, or in person to help you improve your functioning on many levels. CancerCare also offers free counseling, education, financial assistance.
