A smaller fraction of people (approximately 10-20%) may have long-term effects.įor the minority of people who do have long-term effects, they can be noticeable even 10 years after completing treatment.
Does chemobrain ever go away?įor most patients, chemobrain improves within 9-12 months after completing chemotherapy, but many people still have symptoms at the six-month mark. These occur in a variety of genes, not just cancer-causing genes. Genetic differences (small variations in DNA sequences in genes, called polymorphisms) may also increase risk. Do all patients experience chemobrain, or are some patients more likely to get it?Ī majority of people report cognitive problems during chemo (67% in one study). 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. Is chemobrain all based on body and mind fatigue?Ĭhemobrain is partially based on body and mind fatigue. 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. Your oncologist can refer you for this evaluation. The best way to get a complete picture of your cognitive functioning is to have neuropsychological testing. Symptoms may include decreased short-term memory, problems finding words, short attention span, and difficulty concentrating and multitasking.
What are some of the most common symptoms of chemobrain? It's not limited to people who get chemo (surgery and radiation can also contribute), but it's more noticeable if you had chemotherapy. What is chemobrain?Ĭhemobrain refers to the cognitive impairment that can occur after cancer treatment. Many patients experience "chemobrain" - mental clouding or fogginess - during and after cancer treatment.įremonta Meyer, MD, a clinical psychiatrist in Dana-Farber's Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, discusses tips for managing chemobrain.
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