Chemobrain

Overview
Chemotherapy, or chemo, has been helping physicians and their patients fight cancer for more than 50 years. It’s a drug-based treatment that is used for a variety of reasons: 1) to cure a specific cancer, 2) to control tumor growth, 3) to shrink tumors before surgery or radiation therapy, 4) to relieve painful symptoms, or 5) to destroy cancer cells that persist after a tumor is removed by surgery.

About 25% of chemotherapy patients report feeling “foggier” as a result of their cancer and chemotherapy treatment. They notice and report deficits in their memory, thinking, and focus. These deficits can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

Scientists are divided on what the exact cause of chemobrain really is.  But whatever its cause, it can be a difficult and limiting residue of cancer treatment.

Read about different perspectives on chemobrain >

More information on cognitive problems after chemotherapy >

Published Studies
Find out the latest research on chemobrain.

1. Up to one-third of women breast cancer survivors report difficulties with concentration, multi-tasking, and memory.
2. Based on our current understanding of chemobrain’s causes and progress, cognitive therapy is likely to help with it.
3. In an ongoing study of 30 participants suffering from chemobrain, researchers are measuring memory thresholds before and after training with the Brain Fitness Program.

Proven in Lives
Posit Science brain training software has been an important tool for many cancer survivors. Here are a few of their stories:

	Cindy Ryan credits the Brain Fitness Program with relieving her chemobrain and helping her regain her confidence. Watch Cindy's story >
	Sueann Mark worried about how chemobrain was affecting her performance at work until the Brain Fitness Program helped her recover. Read Sueann's story >