Problems with memory and concentration during cancer treatment

More than 70% of people with cancer experience problems related to inability to concentrate, impaired memory during treatment. Problems with concentration and memory loss during cancer treatment can seriously affect a patient's daily life. Even if these problems are mild, they make it difficult to perform activities of daily living.

Inability to concentrate and memory problems can result from cancer treatment experienced in some people. The telltale signs include:
Loss of concentration and decreased attention. Difficulty remembering everyday information, such as names, dates, or phone numbers. Feeling disoriented and may have trouble finding your way. Feeling very confused, taking longer to process new information. Difficulty making decisions or thinking things through. Difficulty organizing thoughts or performing mental tasks, such as finding the right words or studying or calculating. Problems doing multiple things at once. The person may also notice changes in their emotions and behavior. They may act in ways that have never been done before; mood swings, anger, or crying at unusual times.
The severity of these problems depends on many factors, including:
Age. General stress levels in life. Type of cancer, in which organ and treatment protocol. History of mental illness such as depression or anxiety disorder in the past. Help from those around you with mental and emotional problems.

Talk to your treating doctor if you or your caregivers develop these symptoms. Managing symptoms related to memory and concentration is an important part of cancer care and treatment. It is called palliative or supportive care. Problems with attention, thinking, and memory are just as important as other symptoms in cancer treatment.
2. Causes of memory problems during cancer treatment Chemotherapy is a common method used to treat many different malignancies. Many people with cancer may experience memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly after chemotherapy. However, people without chemotherapy can also experience these problems. In fact, some people have problems with attention, thinking, and memory right before they get treatment. General stress after being diagnosed with cancer may play a role in this problem.
Besides chemotherapy, causes of memory and concentration problems can include:
Radiation therapy to the head, neck or whole body. Brain surgery: Biopsy or surgery can damage or disrupt areas of the brain. Brain cancer: This can be a tumor that originates in the brain or a cancer that has spread from somewhere else. Memory loss during cancer treatment can be the result of a number of other treatments such as:
Hormone replacement therapy . Immunotherapy. Medicines to control pain or nausea. Antibiotics . Immunosuppressive drugs. Medicines for depression, anxiety, heart problems, or trouble sleeping. Infections, especially in the brain and spinal cord.

Other conditions, symptoms related to the nature of the cancer or treatments that may affect the patient's ability to think and memory. These include:
Anemia . Sleep problems. Problems with the body's electrolyte levels or vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, B vitamins, or folic acid. Loss of water. Failure of one or more organs. Stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, social issues can also cause problems with cancer treatment, such as:
Unable to work. Earn less or lose income. The patient's role in the family changes because of cancer and its treatment. Manage attention, thinking, and memory problems. Some problems with attention, thinking, and memory loss will go away when you treat the cause. For example, treating anemia or an electrolyte disorder usually makes the problems go away. If the cause is related to brain cancer, symptoms usually get better with treatment. Unfortunately, problems related to chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments can persist for a long time.

Here are some ways to help people cope with the loss of concentration and memory during cancer treatment:
In your home:
Make a daily to-do list. Put it in a place where it can be seen often. Keep a copy at work if needed. Get ready for the next day by laying out what you'll need the night before. Make a clear note on the labels for cabinets or drawers in home storage. Put things, such as car keys, back in their designated places after each use. This helps to find them easily. Get rid of clutter, unnecessary things like papers, books and other items around the house. Store important phone numbers. At work:
Talk to your boss if you are having problems at work. Discuss ways your boss can help, such as changing workloads or deadlines. At the doctor's office:
Don't be afraid to ask the treating doctor questions. Use a notebook, tape recorder, or phone to record your answers. You can ask a friend or family member to accompany you when you visit your doctor. That person can help take notes, which you can review later. Some other tips include:
Do one thing at a time. Avoid multitasking. Using a play on words, such as creating an accent, helps you remember things. Rest much. Exercise keeps your brain awake. Try walking, swimming, or gardening. Yoga or meditation can also help you relax and clear your mind. Do things that exercise your brain. These can include solving puzzles, playing word games, drawing pictures, playing an instrument, or learning a new hobby. Bring a small pad of paper and a pen or pencil to write down notes and reminders. Or download note-taking apps on smartphones and tablets. Use a daily calendar or organizer to keep track of important upcoming appointments, activities, and dates. Place sticky notes around your home and work to remind you of important tasks. You can also set reminders using your phone or email calendar. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your health care team about counseling and other resources, and ask family and friends for help when you need it.

In summary, inability to concentrate can be a consequence of cancer treatment. Patients will notice changes in their emotions and behavior. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of memory loss, inability to concentrate during cancer treatment.

Reference source: cancer.gov