Earlier cancer survivors complaints of memory and concentration loss were dismissed and ignored by their doctors.
The doctors, friends and family members with whom the survivors is most likely to share such symptoms or experience were often easily and un-thoughtfully attributed to stress and emotional affects of cancer or other medications that they were taking.
Recent researches have confirmed a connection between chemotherapy and declining cognitive abilities. But it hasn’t identified a cause.
Doctors have not yet been able to figure out who will suffer chemo brain, which kind of patient etc.
There is no way to predict which patients might be affected. Doctors and researchers are studying if certain specific genetic or hormonal factors may make some people more susceptible to mental effects from chemotherapy than others.
Two main targets of investigation are; Estrogen and a gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
If you notice a cancer survivor who is experiencing loss of memory, changes in memory, inability to juggle multiple tasks, shortened attention spans, and difficulty concentrating following cancer treatment it’s a common symptom among such people.
Medical term for this condition is cognitive deficit. Commonly referred to as chemo brain among survivors and patients.
It may be come as a surprise for some but the fact is that declining cognitive dysfunction in cancer survivors may not always be attributed as an after effect of chemotherapy.
According to The American Cancer Society only 25% people experience chemo brain because of chemotherapy treatment. The remaining seventy five percent people may suffer chemo brain due to un-related or related conditions like depression, menopause, anemia, aging, and side effects of other medications.
Currently there are no treatments or cures available to treat chemo brain. But if one is experiencing chem. Brain as a result of cancer treatment or otherwise it is advised that the person visits the doctor who can suggest how to manage it.
At the most doctors may prescribe a set of medicine course to increase mental acuity.
Most common things the doctor will prescribe will include: To try and do away with some work load at home or office if one has resumed work, write down all important information on a piece of paper, keep a daily organizer handy, Get proper sleep, Eat nutritious and well balanced meals, preferably carry a mini recorder to tape important discussions, Follow a To Do lists on a daily basis.
