Combat Chemo Brain

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

One topic that comes up a lot is what to do about the side effects that can occur as a result of the different cancer treatments.  The first side effect I will be talking about is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. You may have heard it referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog. Chemo brain refers to thinking and memory problems that can occur during and/or after cancer treatments. (1)  In my professional opinion on working with those who experience chemo brain it is best to wait until treatment is complete before addressing the symptoms experienced with chemo brain. This is to ensure no potential interactions between the supplements and cancer treatments that could occur.

What are the most common symptoms of chemo brain that you may experience? Well you may notice that you are unusually disorganized and have difficulty concentrating. You may also notice that you feel confused and have a short attention span that may make it difficult to multitask. In fact you may find that it takes you longer to do things than it would normally. When you are speaking you may have trouble with finding the right words and later on you may find you have trouble with verbal memory or even visual memory. In other words you may notice you have trouble recalling conversations or in recalling a list of words. You may also experience difficulty planning activities. You may notice that there is an increased difficulty in learning any new skills. Overall you may find you have short term memory changes and a general feeling of mental fatigue. (1) Lastly you may even find it difficult to make up your mind or even plan things such as family outings. (2)

While anyone who is undergoing treatment for cancer can experience chemo brain there are some factors that can increase your risk. These can include having brain cancer or cancer that has spread to the brain. Having received radiation to the brain can increase your risk. Additionally if you receive higher doses of either chemo or radiation you are at a higher risk for chemo brain.  Being either younger or older at the time of cancer diagnosis as well as treatment places you at a higher risk of developing chemo brain. (1) Being anemic or just not getting all the nutrients you need can also increase chemo brain risk. If you have an infection it can also increase chemo brain risk. Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, chronic pain, anxiety or depression can all increase chemo brain risk. Additionally alcohol or other mind altering substances can increase your risk. Even certain hormonal changes such as menopause are risk factors. Lastly being weak or frail can both increase your risk of chemo brain. (2)

What can you do if you find that after treatment you have developed chemo brain?

• You can start by controlling things in your environment that may be affecting your memory. For example reduce the noise that is around you. Eat a snack before beginning any activity so you reduce hunger that may distract you. Lastly pick a time of day to do activities where you feel most “alert”.
• It is also important to stay organized. This can often involve using calendars or planners to help.
• It is also helpful to take breaks and divide your tasks into more manageable portions so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
• Exercise your brain with crossword puzzles. It is also helpful to be active. (1)
• It is also important to get enough sleep. (2)
• Inositol has been found in studies to help with brain health, memory and our ability to learn. (3) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care!
• Acetyl-L- Carnitine has been found in studies to help with signs of mental fatigue as well as help improve memory. (4) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care, Cognition Hx as well as our Alcar + Ala which is available in both tablet and capsule form!
• Phosphatidylserine has been found in studies to help to improve our memory. (5) Please see Invite’s Cerebral Care, Cognition as well as our Phosphatidylserine formula.
• Omega 3s haves been found in studies to be associated with increased memory, increased processing speeds and even a healthier brain. (6) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!
• Our product highlight will focus on Cerebral Care!

Sources

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060
2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/changes-in-mood-or-thinking/chemo-brain.html
3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/209115#:~:text=Myo%2D%20inositol%20is%20also%20a,neurotransmission%2C%20learning%2C%20and%20memory.
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18065594/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966935/
6. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/9/1278#:~:text=The%20entorhinal%20cortex%2C%20frontal%20pole,speed%2C%20and%20structural%20brain%20measures.