Information on chemobrain Chemofog is a common condition after ch
Information on 'chemobrain,' 'Chemofog' is a common condition after ch...
A legitimate, diagnosable condition that is usually covered by health insurance, "chemobrain" is known medically as cognitive dysfunction. That means "difficulty processing information," and it may be caused by cancer, cancer treatment or secondary medical conditions, such as .
Christina Meyers, chief of neuropsychology at The University of Texas , says you might be experiencing chemobrain if you have the following symptoms:
Have difficulty multitasking Confuse dates and appointments Misplace objects Forget details of recent events or conversations Fumble for the right word or phrase Have difficulty focusing on one task Feel mentally "slower" than before
After her cancer treatment for stage 4 lymphoma, it didn't take Becky Morris long to realize her brain didn't function the same as it had previously.
"It took me a while to truly understand what 'chemobrain' meant," she said. "I remember during chemo it felt as if brain cells were exploding, but I didn't consider that it really was happening."
Fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance and depression can make chemobrain worse. But professional guidance and certain tools, including the following, can help you cope:
Rely on memory aids such as planners, reminders and lists. Minimize distractions. Treat fatigue and . and .
Discuss the problem with your health care practitioner.
Printed with permission from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2010. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
What to Know About ' Chemobrain'
Feeling like you' re missing a few marbles since chemotherapy It may be more than just your imagination
"Chemobrain," or "chemofog," is reported by a majority of people who receive treatment, but it often goes unrecognized and untreated.Related
A legitimate, diagnosable condition that is usually covered by health insurance, "chemobrain" is known medically as cognitive dysfunction. That means "difficulty processing information," and it may be caused by cancer, cancer treatment or secondary medical conditions, such as .
Christina Meyers, chief of neuropsychology at The University of Texas , says you might be experiencing chemobrain if you have the following symptoms:
Have difficulty multitasking Confuse dates and appointments Misplace objects Forget details of recent events or conversations Fumble for the right word or phrase Have difficulty focusing on one task Feel mentally "slower" than before
After her cancer treatment for stage 4 lymphoma, it didn't take Becky Morris long to realize her brain didn't function the same as it had previously.
"It took me a while to truly understand what 'chemobrain' meant," she said. "I remember during chemo it felt as if brain cells were exploding, but I didn't consider that it really was happening."
Fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance and depression can make chemobrain worse. But professional guidance and certain tools, including the following, can help you cope:
Rely on memory aids such as planners, reminders and lists. Minimize distractions. Treat fatigue and . and .
Discuss the problem with your health care practitioner.
Printed with permission from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2010. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures