Definition
Cognitive changes can occur during and after anti-cancer treatment. Specific chemotherapy agents are known to cause chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, also referred to as 'chemo brain' or 'chemo fog'. Cognitive changes can also be associated with newer therapies such as targeted and hormone therapies and immunotherapies.r
Chemotherapy can affect cognition in the following ways:r
- word-finding difficulty
- problems with memory, such as memory loss or forgetfulness
- difficulties multitasking
- problems learning and focusing attention
- slower processing speed (taking longer to do tasks that were previously quick and easy).
Incidence/prevalence
Approximately 70-75% of people who undergo chemotherapy experience some level of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment.r
Risk factors include:rrr
- age
- genetics
- cancer diagnosis
- treatment type
- history of anxiety and/or depression
- alcohol abuse
- menopause status
Cognitive impairment can have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life; therefore, proper assessment and management are required.