How Brain Health and Training Can Help with Chemo Brain - Written by Marilyn Abrahamson

  


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. It might make it hard to remember important dates, manage your daily tasks, and even feel good about yourself. Feeling frustrated or anxious because of memory problems is common. 

Taking Care of Your Brain is Like Taking Care of Your Body. Here Are Some Simple Ways To Do That:

  • Choose Healthy Habits: Just like eating well and staying active are good for your body, they're also great for your brain. Regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep can help your brain stay in good shape.
  • Keep Your Brain Busy: Doing activities that make you think can keep your brain sharp. Try puzzles, reading, or learning new things to give your brain a workout.
  • Stay Social: Spending time with friends and family is not only fun, but it's also good for your brain. It keeps your mind engaged and helps you stay connected.


Training Your Brain to Get Stronger is Also An Important Step

Think of brain training as being similar to training your muscles. You can do exercises to make your brain stronger. 

  • Strategize For a Better Memory: Learn and practice strategies for attention and memory, and look for challenging memory puzzles and games to improve your memory and avoid forgetfulness.
  • Boost Your Concentration: Try techniques like mindfulness meditation to help you focus better and pay attention more easily.
  • Practice Solving Problems: Solve puzzles or play games that need thinking. These activities can improve your problem-solving skills and help your brain adapt to new challenges.
  • Use Brain-Training Apps: There are apps designed to train your brain. They offer different games and exercises that you can do on your phone or tablet.
  • Train Your Brain: Learn about how to nourish your brain, and use it in a more effective way for more clarity, and better memory. The Long Live Your Brain online group brain training program can help!

Managing life with chemo brain is no small task, but there are ways to overcome its challenges. By taking steps to keep your brain healthy through good habits, staying mentally active, and engaging in brain training exercises, you can make a positive impact on your cognitive abilities. Just like recovering from cancer, taking care of your brain is a journey that requires effort and dedication. With determination and the right strategies, you can improve your cognitive function and enhance your overall quality of life, even in the face of chemo brain.

For more information about the Long Live Your Brain program, visit our website at www.longliveyourbrain.com. While you're there, schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated brain health coaches.

MARILYN ABRAHAMSON, MA, CCC-SLP-CBHC is co-owner of BrainThrive Consulting and co-creator of the ©Long Live Your Brain program, an online group brain health coaching program for people striving for more reliable memory, attention, and clearer thinking. More information can be found at www.longliveyourbrain.com. Marilyn is also an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach and has been a Speech-Language Pathologist since 1987.

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