BrainThrive Blog

 In today's fast-paced world, the importance of a well-organized personal space is often overlooked and challenging to achieve because of time.  Yet, the environment we live and work in profoundly affects our mental and physical well-being. Organizing your personal space is not just about aesthetics or cleanliness; it’s about creating a sanctuary that promotes healing and enhances daily functioning.  This is especially important when you are experiencing Chemotherapy-Induced Brain Fog . Cluttered spaces can lead to cluttered minds . Research has shown that a disorganized environment can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even depression. When our surroundings are chaotic , focusing , relaxing , or finding a sense of peace can be challenging. On the other hand, an organized space can provide a sense of control and calm , essential for mental clarity and emotional stability .   The Benefits of an Organized Space 1. Reduced Stress : A tidy space helps reduce cognitive demand.

 Beyond Capacity: Navigating the Overload of Modern Life Do you ever feel like your brain is on overdrive, constantly processing information, and solving problems? If so, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, we're all trying to manage an overwhelming amount of information daily.  From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, you're bombarded with tasks like responding to emails, managing household chores, and keeping up with social media. The need to juggle these demands daily can leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and worn out. It's even more challenging when you're battling  Brain Fog .   What fuels  overload , and what can you do to  reduce it ? 1.  Technology : Advancements in technology have improved the quality of life; however, they have also blurred the boundaries between professional and personal lives. Cell phones are with you wherever you go, making you accessible 24/7.  This accessibility promotes the expectation that you s

Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, offering hope and often life-saving benefits to millions of patients worldwide. However, while its efficacy in combating cancer is well-documented, the toll it takes on patients' cognitive function is an often overlooked aspect of the treatment journey.  Among the many side effects experienced by chemotherapy recipients, “chemo-fog,” "chemo brain," or chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is a prevalent and distressing issue, particularly for women. This phenomenon encompasses a range of cognitive impairments, including changes in memory, difficulty with focus, and slower processing speed. These symptoms can impact daily functioning, productivity, and quality of life overall. Despite its prevalence and impact, the experience of chemotherapy-induced brain fog in women is often dismissed or trivialized, leaving many feeling unheard and unsupported. One of the challenges in addressing chemotherapy-induced brai

The intricate relationship between our beliefs and cognitive performance has long fascinated researchers, revealing a profound connection between self-efficacy and memory. Recent studies indicate that an individual's perception of their memory capabilities can significantly influence their actual performance, even without a diagnosed memory disorder. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of self-efficacy in memory and cognition, focusing on the outcomes of a beta test of the Long Live Your Brain ( LLYB ) program and its impact on participants' confidence in their cognitive abilities. The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Memory Beliefs Research suggests that individuals who perceive their memory as subpar may inadvertently shape their cognitive performance through a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even without a clinically diagnosed memory disorder, one's beliefs about their memory capacity can impact cognitive function. This phenomenon underscores the powerful role that

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment often grapple with a type of brain fog that manifests as a change in memory and thinking that can occur before, during, and after their cancer treatment . This disruption in cognition is widely referred to as chemo brain.  Members of the healthcare community may use various terms to characterize this condition, such as cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment, cancer-related cognitive changes, or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. Although the exact cause of chemo brain remains elusive, it can occur at any stage of cancer treatment. These alterations in memory and thinking skills can make it more difficult to perform everyday activities for work, school, or social engagements. Unfortunately, many people do not report it to their doctors until the symptoms significantly impact their daily lives. For this reason, it is crucial to get help and support, and promptly inform the doctor, regardless of the severity of the symptoms.

As a woman, I cannot tell you the number of times I have been asked, “ Are you sure it isn’t all in your head?”   This question was in response to statements about menstrual cramps, unexplained emotional responses after having my first child, and “brain fog” in my fifties.  Well, it turns out these changes were “all in my head,” but not the way the question inferred.  I wasn’t creating, exaggerating, or imagining these issues, they were related to the impact of hormones on my brain function.  I was part of the estimated two-thirds of women who experience some degree of cognitive change related to menopause.  Women can experience menopause differently; some will have few and mild symptoms, while others experience prolonged, severe challenges.  These changes can occur in: Memory and Concentration :  The term “menopausal brain fog” is associated with forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and decreased mental clarity.  Hormonal fluctuations, especially a decrease in estrogen, are believed to