As the number of cancer survivors in America continues to rise, it is crucial to address the long-term impacts of cancer treatments on brain function. Chemo brain is a term used to describe the various cognitive impairments experienced by many cancer survivors, which can persist for months or even years. These neurological deficits can range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent, with their intensity fluctuating over time.
Research indicates that approximately 75% of cancer survivors suffer from chemo brain either during or after their treatment, and for about 35% of them, the effects last longer than just a few months. Currently, there is groundbreaking research being conducted to better understand and find solutions for this phenomenon.
Understanding Chemo Brain
Chemo brain, a term coined by women who experienced cognitive problems after receiving high-dose chemotherapy, first gained attention in the 1990s. Initially, oncologists were skeptical about this phenomenon, as they believed that chemotherapy treatments for non-central nervous system cancers would not affect the brain. However, recent studies have shown that certain chemotherapy medications can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing toxicity or triggering inflammation in the brain. Additionally, other cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy have been found to produce physiological reactions that may also impact brain function.
Causes of Chemo Brain
Chemo brain, a cognitive impairment commonly experienced by cancer patients, can be caused by various factors. Research suggests that symptoms of chemo brain may appear even before cancer treatment begins and can be exacerbated by therapies. Inflammation in the brain and nervous system caused by tumor-fighting cytokines has been found to affect cognitive processing, as reported in a study published in Neuroscience.
In addition to this, a cancer diagnosis often leads to stress and depression, which can further cloud the mind. Neuro-oncologists from the University of California, Irvine have discovered that chemotherapy can kill brain stem cells that would have otherwise developed into neurons responsible for creating and storing memories. Consequently, this combination of factors leads to shrinkage in the areas of the brain that play a crucial role in memory and learning.
Other contributing factors to the onset or progression of chemo brain include anxiety, sleep problems, and oxidative stress. Clinical studies have shown that individuals with cancer who experience high levels of anxiety and depression before starting treatment often exhibit low cognitive functioning.