Coping with Chemobrain

Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

September 11, 2013

What is Chemobrain?

Patients say that during and after chemo that their:• Thinking seems foggy• Memory not as sharp• Can’t make decisions

Physicians call these “cognitive deficits related to chemo,” but cancer survivors refer to them as

part of “chemobrain!”

(800) 615-2270

Symptoms of Chemobrain

Memory loss Trouble paying attention Difficulty “word finding” Problems managing daily activities/solving problems

Usually resolves completely or considerably within a year of finishing chemotherapy.

(800) 615-2270

Causes• We are unsure of the exact cause of chemobrain.• Progress in helping patients manage it.

Hypotheses about causes:• Anxiety• Depression• Hormonal fluctuations• Sleep problems

(800) 615-2270

• Low blood counts• Stress• Medication side effects

NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION

Consulted in chronic cases Comprehensive evaluation Recommendations can include medication, cognitive

rehabilitation

(800) 615-2270

Mesothelioma patients struggling with chemobrain can do a number of things to minimize the impact of chemobrain…

(800) 615-2270

MAKE LISTS

(800) 615-2270

AVOID DISTRACTIONS

(800) 615-2270

ORGANIZE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

(800) 615-2270

REPEAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION

(800) 615-2270

KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP

(800) 615-2270

SHARE YOUR STRUGGLE

(800) 615-2270

ASK FOR HELP!

(800) 615-2270

Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270