Brain Scan Study Provides Further Evidence of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Decline
“Chemobrain” or “chemofog” is a condition that affects cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy. Dozens of studies have shown that post-chemotherapy, patients may experience a decline in cognitive performance and memory, and many doctors have long believed chemobrain to be a significant problem for cancer patients. (To learn more about chemobrain, I recommend this in-depth article.) Despite this significant body of evidence, though, some medical professionals continue to dismiss patient claims of cognitive decline as exaggerated or unrelated to their condition.
However, a new study from Stanford University has used brain scans to definitively show that post-chemotherapy, many women show cognitive deficits in the areas of attention, memory, and planning.
The good news about chemobrain: researchers agree that the brain’s plasticity means that it’s largely reversible, with the right kind of intervention. A study from 2008 found that people experiencing chemobrain were successfully rehabilitated after using the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program. The active participants’ speed of processing, listening, and overall quality of life improved significantly after training.
We have additional information about chemobrain, including survivor stories and links to science studies, on this page.
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Posted: Benefits of Brain Fitness, Brain Fitness Program, Brain plasticity, Memory, Memory, Neuroscience, Posit Science software, Processing speed, Research studies
Posit Science's corporate blog is the place where our employees share their thoughts about Posit Science and its products, brain fitness, breakthroughs in neuroscience, and any other topic they find interesting and relevant. 
December 1st, 2011 at 12:17 am
Having experienced chemobrain I understand the debilitating effects! However since being on a Sydney based research program which uses the Posit Science exercises, I’m pleased to say, my brain function appears to be many times better. As I haven’t quite finished yet, I don’t have all the percentages, but they are inpressive!!!
Thank you so much to the creators and the Cancer research centre in Sydney.
Sue
December 19th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@Sue that is great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing.