Pamela Harding believes we can. " Last updated: 8 Aug 2018 ~ 2 min read. But cancer itself, the impact of a diagnosis and treatment side effects such as fatigue and menopausal symptoms are also thought to play a part. PHOTOGRAPHY. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- "Chemo brain" -- the mental fog common after breast cancer treatment -- can persist for six months, new research shows.The finding comes from one of the largest studies to date to look at chemotherapy-related thinking problems that plague many women treated for breast cancer. Another name people use is chemo fog. JNCI Monographs 2015, Vol 2015 (51) p. 67-69. That knowledge may help lead patients to tools and therapies designed to help alleviate the symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and may not be that obvious. But there’s something else they should be prepared to address that may be just as disruptive: cognitive impairment that makes it difficult to concentrate and perform everyday tasks. What are the symptoms of chemo brain? You might notice that tiredness or hunger have an effect. Researchers pinpoint the type of chemotherapy that is more likely to harm the brain of breast cancer patients. Chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause reduced cognitive functioning (" chemo brain " or "chemobrain"). So can we treat chemo-brain by eating certain foods? Occasionally, chemo may be given directly into the spinal fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Here is the latest guidance.We will update it regularly. Studies in breast cancer patients find rates of chemo brain ranging between 17 and 75 percent. What Causes Chemo- or Endo-Brain in Breast Cancer Patients? While my brain function will never be like it was when I was in my 20’s, the therapies listed below have improved and continue to improve my memory, facial recognition, attention, and many other brain deficiencies. For example, researchers first looked at this in women with breast cancer and found that chemotherapy might be the cause. I've mentioned this to my doctor but I think his focus is more on my treatment and less on my concerns. Chemo brain can affect anyone that is having or has had treatment for breast cancer, including those that haven’t had chemotherapy. They may be able to make adjustments such as a phased return to work, or reducing your workload. Some of the common symptoms include: Common day-to-day examples given by people with cognitive impairment include: There’s only limited evidence about whether taking particular medicines will help improve cognitive impairment, and research is ongoing. Chemo Brain and Breast Cancer. What is cognitive impairment? Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that may be given intravenously (injected into your vein) or by mouth. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. If you are going back to work and think you may need support, talk to your manager or HR team beforehand. I found it very useful and informative. You can ask your breast care nurse or GP about this. This is because the symptoms were first linked to chemotherapy. How is cognitive impairment treated? You may find that physical activity helps to clear your head and allows you to focus better. ... and the women who were given non-anthracycline chemo. Stress and anxiety can affect your memory and concentration. The brain is one of the more common sites to which breast cancer spreads, along with the bones, lungs, and liver. Everybody knows that chemotherapy kills cancer cells and comes with side effects like nausea and fatigue. These problems were first reported after chemotherapy treatment. Additional research has found that other cancer treatments—surgery, radiation and hormone therapy among them—also may lead to chemo brain, because they cause inflammation in the body. Among the many side effects of breast cancer treatment, the fogginess or mental changes that many people experience can be a frustrating one. It usually improves over time after treatment has finished, but for some people it can continue. Having experienced chemo brain, BARBARA TAKO says more research and treatments are needed to combat the problem. The researchers did not hypothesize on why chemotherapy drugs appear to cause cognitive breakdowns, and they couldn’t even determine whether a direct cause-and-effect relationship exists. These changes were still seen on scans 5 to 10 years after treatment stopped." Further support. You can find out more about mindfulness on the NHS website. They may ask you some questions to confirm you’re experiencing cognitive impairment. ‘Chemo brain’ is a common side effect – affecting as many as 70% of cancer patients – which can be felt as a decline in mental ‘sharpness’. This includes people who are depressed or anxious and those who are older or less mobile. Chemotherapy drugs targeting breast cancer cells in the brain aren't effective, because they can't cross the blood-brain-barrier. - LAUREN B. Some treatment, including certain forms of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy , can also cause cognitive dysfunction, meaning they can directly or indirectly disrupt, damage or alter normal brain function. Research covered by Medical News Today early this year indicated that chemo brain can severely impact people undergoing cancer treatment, with over 45 percent of breast cancer … Today we are discussing cancer-related cognitive impairment, also known as “chemo fog” or “chemo brain” which can be connected either to specific cancer treatments or to a cancer diagnosis. Patients only have about six months to live. Researchers also reported that younger women, black women and those who report higher levels of anxiety and depression were more likely to experience greater declines in brain function. Scientists say results suggest that much more research is needed to investigate how breast cancer treatments affect the brain. “Chemo brain” is a side effect of chemotherapy that affects cognitive function in cancer patients. Tell your treatment team about your symptoms. Cognitive changes can accompany chemotherapy and endocrine therapies for breast cancer. Other studies have shown that breast cancer survivors who have a variant of the COMT gene, which influences how quickly the brain metabolizes … Among the many side effects of breast cancer treatment, the fogginess or mental changes that many people experience can be a frustrating one. Chemotherapy is not the only cancer treatment associated with cognitive problems. How can you tell them apart: Chemo-brain may… ” writes Harding. Chemo brain is a mental cloudiness some people notice before, during, and after cancer treatment. Getting plenty of rest and sleep can also help. You can find out more about it on the NHS website. We’d love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. So these changes used to be called chemo brain. However, there are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms. What causes cognitive impairment? During and following breast cancer treatment some people find it difficult to concentrate or feel more forgetful. Death rates for breast cancer have declined over the last several decades, and the United States is home to more than 3.1 million survivors. It is not yet clear what causes chemo brain. 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. Brain changes can come about as a result of a brain tumour, or due to brain swelling following treatments such as chemotherapy. When a patient's brain is changed in response to chemo drugs, it is termed chemo-brain. 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. I would like to add that, the symptoms of chemo-brain may be confused with symptoms of early Alzheimer’s. Miri owns about 25 different wigs from their chemo days and enjoys deploying them strategically. Yet more than 20 percent of these survivors experience what is colloquially referred to as “chemo brain” or “chemo fog,” a cognitive condition affecting thinking, perception and communication that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Research over the past decade has revealed that many cancer patients experience such symptoms as a consequence of specific damage to the brain … It’s going to be difficult to combat that term,” Asher told Healio. August;16(8):772-7 After fighting cancer, Alzheimer’s would be nasty. Chemo Brain. Less … Symptoms of breast cancer in the brain can include: headache changes in senses controlled by the brain such as slurred speech, blurred vision, balance problems, dizziness, or anything else … Historically, cancer patients with these symptoms were often diagnosed with depression. The problems improved over time, but they did not disappear. It usually improves over time after treatment has finished, but for some people it can continue. Relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety, including listening to calming music, practising deep breathing, listening to a relaxation CD or using an app. Although no… Can this Indian spice help boost brain power?Are you struggling with chemo-brain post treatment? Women with HER2-positive breast cancer tend to develop brain metastases in up to 55% of cases. If you’re self-employed and experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment, it can be difficult to know where to go for help. 4. Chemo brain is characterized by reduced verbal ability, impaired decision making, faulty short-term memory and other deficits. Chemo brain, or chemo fog, as it has been dubbed, was first reported by breast cancer survivors. Study Finds Scientific Basis for ‘Chemo Brain’ in Breast Cancer Patients. Cognitive impairment can be difficult to cope with, and many people feel frustrated and as if they’re not in control. Chemotherapy drugs targeting breast cancer cells in the brain aren’t effective because they can’t cross the blood-brain-barrier. When a patient's brain is changed in response to chemo drugs, it is termed chemo-brain. As might be expected, people 55 and older are more likely to experience cognitive deficits. Changes in memory or concentration and the ability to think clearly during cancer treatment are often called cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) or chemo brain. Tax-ID: 73-1386920, December 2016 Journal of Clinical Oncology, Managing menopause and more with gynecologic cancer, Dangerous drug interactions: Common medicines to avoid while undergoing oral chemotherapy, Immunotherapy treatment for breast cancer remains elusive. Try to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Some experts think that chemotherapy may speed up the normal ageing process. 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