Chemo brain – how cancer rehab can help
Patients can experience a variety of mental and emotional changes while receiving chemotherapy. Brain fog, or "chemo brain" is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Cancer rehabilitation has been shown to help patients reclaim their physical and mental well-being, support return to work and activity, participate in hobbies they enjoy, and regain independence.
Lifemark employs a holistic approach to cancer rehabilitation. By encouraging good nutrition, exercise, spiritual and emotional support, and cognitive training, patients can make changes that help improve their well-being
What is cancer-related brain fog, or “chemo brain”?
Cancer-related brain fog is can present as:
• Memory loss
• Inability to multi-task
• Confusion
• Slowed thought process
• Word-finding difficulty
• Difficulty learning new things
Psychosocial symptoms of cancer treatment
Worry and stress brought on by the diagnosis, effects of drug treatment, presence of fatigue and uncontrolled pain after treatment can lead to mental and emotional symptoms as well.
Psychosocial issues common with cancer:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Fear
• Worry
• Dread
• Insomnia
Occupational therapy can help provide support and cancer rehabilitation
Many cancer survivors are left with cancer treatment-related issues that can be mental, physical, and psychosocial. Cancer rehabilitation is appropriate at all stages of the cancer journey and can assist functional recovery following cancer treatment.
An occupational therapist (OT) can address the psychosocial and cognitive challenges often experienced after cancer treatment. They use a variety of techniques and tools to improve functional capacity and overall quality of life.
How an occupational therapist can help
Occupational therapists can assess and treat mild cognitive impairments, teach fatigue management, evaluate work readiness, and advise on compensation strategies.
Examples of cognitive strategies include:
• Reducing distraction
• Avoiding over-stimulation
• Keeping a routine
• Employing memory aids
• Using to-do lists
Learn more about cancer rehabilitation and whether it is right for you or a loved one. Easily find a location near you or book an appointment with one of Lifemark's highly trained occupational therapists.
