Mednet Logo

How do you manage neurocognitive decline associated with chemotherapy (i.e. chemo brain)?

Is there specific workup you perform? Are there preventive measures? Once established, are there non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments you recommend?
3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Medical Oncology · Stanford University Medical Center
Answered on

I agree with @Dr. First Last's detailed response. Practically speaking, I would also add that it is important to listen and validate your patient's concerns and respond to their frustration and sense of loss. A diagnostic evaluation will not only help you and your patient discover or 'rule out' othe...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · Yale
Answered on

Cognitive changes are reported by patients diagnosed with cancer prior to any cancer treatment, during and after cancer treatments including chemotherapy, but other types as well including endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Collectively these are known as cancer related cognit...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · Mayo Medical School
Answered on

I agree with what Maryam and Lidia nicely summarized. This is a real and vexing clinical problem without great ways to accurately test for it and without established therapies that will effectively reverse it for most patients. It is important to acknowledge to affected patients that it is a real ph...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer