Know Someone with Chemo Brain?

How chemotherapy might be affecting your loved one

BY:ERIC FEIL

Many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer nausea, hair loss and fatigue. But a recent UCLA study adds further evidence that short-term memory loss, an inability to concentrate, trouble with multitasking and a sense of having lost one's mental edge are a painfully real set of effects collectively called "Chemo Brain."

It's estimated that up to 25 percent of chemo patients suffer some level of Chemo Brain. The UCLA study shows that chemotherapy causes actual changes to the brain's metabolism and blood flow that can last 10 years after treatment. "It's a very real problem," says Cheryl Perkins, MD, RPh, senior clinical advisor at Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "And the symptoms are unique in each patient. Things like balancing a checkbook, sleeping and finding the right word can become difficult."

Doctors are exploring options to help patients deal with symptoms of Chemo Brain, notes Dr. Perkins. "Sometimes you're just too tired [from anemia, fatigue or depression] to think straight," she adds. In other cases, symptoms are similar to those of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), so stimulants like Ritalin are being considered for treatment.

Ultimately, the UCLA study is beneficial in raising awareness among patients, caregivers and doctors to be on the lookout for Chemo Brain symptoms, Dr. Perkins says. "People should understand that it's very common, and that they can talk to others about it. Keeping fit can help. If you're having these symptoms, take someone to the doctor with you to talk and listen."