BrainThrive Blog

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 sympt...

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, especi...