Rehab May Reduce Symptoms of Chemo Brain

Posted by Radiation Clinic on January 13th, 2017

Making the choice to fight cancer head on with aggressive treatment can and often does produce very positive outcomes. Treatments, however, are known to have more than a few potential side effects that can make the battle arduous to say the least. “Chemo brain” is one of the possible consequences of treatment that can leave some patients wondering if their cognitive abilities will ever return to normal. New research, however, indicates there may be an effective way for patients to combat the symptoms without even having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

“Chemo brain” is a term used to describe memory and mental processing difficulties some patients may experience during and after chemotherapy treatments. While the concern remains very much an area of study with the full causes still unknown, most clinicians recognize and appreciate the struggles their patients may experience with “chemo brain.” The condition is known to cause confusion, forgetfulness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and short-term memory complaints, among other symptoms. It is recommended that patients who suffer these symptoms discuss them with their healthcare providers.

Researchers say there may be a way for patients to successfully combat the condition at home. Mental rehabilitation through the use of a program called InSight is showing a great deal of success. Patients who used the web-based program showed marked improvements on cognitive testing scores after 15 weeks of use. A recent study into the potential benefits, in fact, showed improvements of 25 to 30 percent after 15 weeks versus patients who did not use the program. The benefits were maintained after six months. Patients also reported lower levels of fatigue, stress and anxiety.

Programs like InSight are brain training tools. They are designed to challenge the mind while helping sharpen and maintain skills. In addition to cancer patients, these programs are also used by those who are trying to keep their minds agile in the face of aging.

While further study is required to better understand if cognitive training programs can have a significant and lasting impact, the preliminary findings are promising. Researchers are hopeful such programs will serve to help patients regain and maintain cognitive function after treatments.

People who are undergoing cancer treatments or have completed them are urged to report all side effects to their healthcare providers. Oftentimes, doctors do have tools that can help combat unpleasant side effects. In the case of “chemo brain,” an online mental training tool might just do the trick.

About Author

At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.