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Cognitive Impairment Associated with Cancer Treatment (More Commonly Known as Chemo Brain) - Written by Marilyn Abrahamson

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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.
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Is it all in my head? -Cognitive Changes Related to Menopause Written by: Doreen Bridgman MS,CCC,SLP and CBHC

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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
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Why Brain Healthy Habits and Thinking Strategies Are So Important After A Concussion - Written by Doreen Bridgman

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If you've had a concussion, you may feel as if you’ll never be the same again - and you know how impactful a concussion can be on daily life.  The ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms can make everything about your life harder to manage - from dealing with the crushing headaches and fatigue to being able to do your job the way you did before, to even feeling overwhelmed about meeting friends for dinner.  But there may be something you can do to help… By incorporating brain-healthy nourishment (in the form of brain-healthy lifestyle choices), and learning (and using) specific attention and memory strategies, you can optimize your recovery from concussion and improve your overall performance. You’ll simply learn how to use your brain differently… by compensating or learning to work around your difficulties.  Here’s what we mean: 1. Nourish your brain the right way. Yes, what you eat matters! Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have a
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How Brain Health and Training Can Help with Chemo Brain - Written by Marilyn Abrahamson

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    Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can be tough on the body and the mind.  One common challenge that some people face during and after chemotherapy is chemo brain .  This condition can make it harder to remember things, stay focused, and think clearly. More specifically, it's described as feeling like a mental fog, clouding thoughts, memories, and clarity, leaving behind mental fatigue . To tackle this issue, it's important to understand the value of brain health and training. This type of education teaches people how to take care of their brains, so they can harness *neuroplasticity, offering renewed hope and recovery for those experiencing the symptoms of chemo brain .   What is Chemo Brain? Chemo brain, or cancer-related cognitive impairment , is when cancer treatment affects your thinking and memory. It can make you forget things, find it tough to concentrate, and slow down your brain. Why Chemo Brain Matters Chemo brain can impact your life in many ways. I
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Hydration and Brain Health; Is It All Just Hype? - Written by Doreen Bridgman

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Recently, I saw an example of the importance of hydration on brain function. This became all too clear to a friend of mine  - and she learned this lesson the hard way .  She became dehydrated while walking outside on a hot day and began to show signs of cognitive decline. Ultimately, she had to be hospitalized after her cognition became so impaired, that it adversely affected her judgment, which led to a serious fall.   The need for hydration is not just a thirst thing... it’s a brain thing.  You probably already know that your kidneys, heart, lungs, and muscles are dependent on water.  But do you know that your brain is about 75% water? That's why getting proper hydration is so important for your brain to function optimally. What happens to your brain if you become dehydrated? You may experience reduced cognition.   These changes may become obvious, even with mild dehydration. The decline can become more obvious as you become more dehydrated.  Moderate dehydration may cause you to
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