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!”
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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.
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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
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• Low blood counts• Stress• Medication side effects
NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION
Consulted in chronic cases Comprehensive evaluation Recommendations can include medication, cognitive
rehabilitation
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Mesothelioma patients struggling with chemobrain can do a number of things to minimize the impact of chemobrain…
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MAKE LISTS
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AVOID DISTRACTIONS
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ORGANIZE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
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REPEAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP
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SHARE YOUR STRUGGLE
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ASK FOR HELP!
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Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270
