Getting to Know Cognitive Changes
Cognitive alterations, which are also known as chemo brain or cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), can make it hard to remember things, focus, and think clearly. It might be annoying, but there are ways to deal with symptoms and make daily life easier. Here is brief overview of chemo brain management
Getting a Diagnosis
If you discover that your mind is always foggy, talk to your doctor. They may give you questionnaires or send you to a specialist.
✔ Make sure that other things aren’t to blame, like tiredness, sadness, or adverse effects of medication.
Possible Ways of chemo brain management
There is no one-size-fits-all cure, however research is looking into a number of different options:
1. Training your brain
Working out your brain might assist with:
- Focus and memory
- Speed of processing
- Skills for planning and doing more than one thing at once
Apps that train your brain, puzzles, or memory games are good options.
2. Moving about
Exercise is good for both your body and mind. It can:
✅ Make you feel better and give you more energy
Note: Researchers are still trying to figure out the best type and length of exercise, but even short walks can assist!
3. Therapies for the mind and body
Ways to relax your mind and improve your focus:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Imagery that is guided
- Tai chi or yoga
4. Drugs (Last Resort) for chemo brain management
Some studies look into:
- Antidepressants (if symptoms go worse with mood)
- Drugs that fight dementia (not much proof)
Before taking any medicine, you should always talk to your doctor.
Ways to Deal with Things Every Day
Keep things in order
- Use planners, sticky notes, or phone reminders to remember tasks and meetings.
- Have a place where you can see your shopping list at all times.
- Get permission beforehand before recording key talks.
Make Things Easier
- Do hard things early when you have the most energy.
- Don’t try to do more than one thing at a time.
- When you can, delegate. Ask friends and relatives for help.
Make the most of your space
- Cut down on distractions (for example, work in calm places).
- If you forget things often, label your drawers and cabinets.
Help the Brain Stay Healthy
- Make sleep a priority because being tired makes brain fog worse.
- Eat a healthy diet, and omega-3s and antioxidants may assist.
- Keep your mind and body busy with social activities like talking, doing puzzles, and hobbies.
Support for emotions and relationships
- Talk to the people you care about freely; they could notice changes before you do.
- If anxiety or sadness make it harder for you to think clearly, you might want to think about getting counselling.
- Talk to support groups (those with chemo brain understand).
When to Get Help
If your symptoms make it hard to do your everyday tasks (job, relationships, or self-care), get in touch with your healthcare team.
âš You have mood swings, forget things a lot, or feel confused. Stress or tiredness might make it harder to think.
Final Thoughts of chemo brain management
Chemo brain can be hard, but tiny changes can make a significant difference. Be kind to yourself; it takes time to get better.
Do you have a tip that helps you deal? Please share it below to help others!