Helping Women Feel Heard: Addressing Chemotherapy-Induced Brain Fog in Women through Brain Training By Marilyn Abrahamson, MA,CCC-SLP - CBHC and Doreen Bridgman, MS,CCC-SLP - CBHC

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 brain fog is the lack of understanding and recognition within both the medical community and society at large. Many healthcare professionals may attribute cognitive symptoms to stress or anxiety, overlooking the physiological impact of chemotherapy on the brain. As a result, women may struggle to receive appropriate support and accommodations for their cognitive difficulties, further exacerbating feelings of frustration and isolation.

More research is needed in this area. However, cognitive therapy and brain training techniques hold promise in mitigating the cognitive effects of chemotherapy. Brain training encompasses a variety of attention and memory strategies and exercises designed to improve cognitive function. It has also been shown to improve memory, processing speed, and executive function skills such as attention, organization, planning, and decision-making. These interventions target neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, offering hope for enhancing cognitive resilience in chemotherapy recipients.

A quality comprehensive brain training program will also include education on incorporating lifestyle modifications and holistic approaches to further support cognitive health in chemotherapy recipients. Lifestyle choices that include regular exercise, healthy nutrition, adequate good-quality sleep, stress management, social engagement, and the importance of lifelong learning have been shown to promote brain health and resilience. Integrating these practices into a comprehensive care plan can complement the benefits of brain training and empower women to manage their cognitive well-being proactively.

Furthermore, raising awareness and fostering open dialogue about chemotherapy-induced brain fog are essential steps in ensuring that women feel heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. Healthcare providers are crucial in validating patients' experiences, advocating for their needs, and connecting them with appropriate resources and support services. 

By recognizing the impact of cognitive impairment and implementing targeted interventions such as brain training, we can empower women to reclaim their cognitive function by using their brains differently to improve their overall well-being. Through a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, researchers, and society, we can bridge the gap and ensure that women feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journey toward cognitive recovery and recovery.

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.