The chemo brain: what is it and can it be done?

About one in five people with or after cancer suffer from concentration or memory problems. They then have a ‘chemo brain’: a term that has blown over from America to our country. It means that the brain with cancer – or after treatment – no longer functions as well as before. Fortunately, the complaints usually subside after a while or disappear completely. A small group can last longer.

Chemo brain: symptoms

You can mainly recognize a chemo brain by problems with your memory and/or concentration, but there are other symptoms that you can experience, such as:

• memory and concentration problems
• extra sensitivity to stimuli in the environment
• less able to cope with stress
• have trouble with time pressure
• get tired quickly

Neuropsychologist Sanne Schagen of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital has been researching the chemo brain for years. Although the term suggests otherwise, according to her, the complaints are not only caused by chemotherapy. “We’ve done a lot of research, so we know that chemotherapy can lead to these kinds of changes in a small number. But we also know that, for example, hormonal treatments can do that. And some people who have had surgery and radiation can also have cognitive problems. she explains in this video. Yet we can speak of her, all complaints in summary, of a chemo brain.

Cause of the chemo brain

Research into the cause of the chemo brain has been going on for years. The complaints can be caused, for example, by the treatments, fatigue and hormonal changes. In addition, anxiety, stress and depression may also play a role. Hopefully there will be more clarity about this in the future, so that a possible treatment can also be determined.

What can you do about a chemo brain?

1. Provide structure in your life: do things at fixed times and keep things in fixed places.
2. Make lists, check off tasks and use your (digital) agenda, possibly with a reminder.
3. Get enough rest and sleep.
4. Try to stay active and get plenty of exercise.
5. Concentrate on one task at a time.
6. Inform family, friends and colleagues about your complaints.

If you suffer from cognitive complaints that match the chemo brain, this is often accompanied by other problems, such as stress and depression. You can solve these problems yourself or possibly with help from a healthcare provider tackle. Usually your complaints will then become less. Do you suffer a lot from your complaints? Please contact your GP or treating specialist.