What is chemobrain?

This refers to a term related to the problems of cognitive and memory dysfunction that occur during and after chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

Chemobrain, also called “chem fog” or chemofusion, can appear at any time, mainly as a result of chemotherapy. However, it can also be linked to other procedures such as hormone therapy, radiation, and surgery, all of which can cause cognitive problems in the short, medium, and long term.

Factors that can contribute to the onset of chemobrain, besides certain types of cancer and brain tumors, include the following:

• Diseases such as anxiety, nutritional deficiency, depression, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
• Immunotherapy.
• Medications for other cancer-related symptoms.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Hereditary susceptibility to chemobrain.
• Hormone therapy.
• Bone marrow transplant.
• Oncological treatments.

The severity and duration of symptoms depend on the individual, but they usually include:

• Confusion.
• Problems carrying out certain activities.
• Difficulty learning new skills or abilities.
• Inability to finish tasks.
• Taking longer than normal to perform daily activities.
• Short-term memory loss.
• Concentration problems.
• Problems remembering conversations, images, or words.

The specialist will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, then perform a physical exam and request blood tests and brain scans to rule out other conditions.

Treatment for chemobrain is personalized and focuses on relieving symptoms and controlling the causes that contribute to memory problems through:

• Memory and thinking exercises.
• Concentration techniques.
• Medications.
• Cognitive rehabilitation.
• Relaxation and stress management techniques.

At the Neurological Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties are prepared to serve you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Neurology Center
Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory