Therapy To Help With Chemo Brain

Chemo brain, or cognitive impairment due to cancer treatment, can be a significant hurdle for many survivors of cancer. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, many therapies and strategies can help patients manage and improve cognitive functions, such as their ability to learn, think, reason, remember, problem-solve, make decisions and pay attention.

Franciscan Health occupational therapist Bridget Kress and speech-language pathologist Darcy Hughes share information on chemo brain treatment options to help manage chemo brain and enhance cognitive function. These strategies help avoid communication breakdowns and reduce frustration. Patients can try different approaches to find what works best for them.

Word-Finding Strategies

One common challenge patients with face is difficulties finding words, often described as the “tip of the tongue” phenomenon. These strategies can help:

• Delay: Sometimes, it helps to pause and take extra time. Close your eyes to increase your focus, which might also help you recall the word.
• Describe: Provide more information about what you want to say. Other details can help your listener understand and might also trigger the word you seek.
• Make an association: Think of a related word or a synonym. For example, if you can’t think of the word “tissue,” you might say “Kleenex” instead.
• Use gestures: Hand movements can effectively communicate your message when words fail.
• Draw: Keep a pen and paper handy to draw the object or items you want to communicate.
• Look it up: Use the internet to search for keywords related to the word you are trying to recall.
• Narrow it down: Think of the general topic or category of the word to help you generate the right word.

Memory Strategies

Memory challenges are another common issue for those with chemo brain. Internal and external strategies can help improve memory.

Internal Memory Strategies

• Repetition: Mentally or verbally repeat information to help remember it later.
• Association: Make connections between new information and something familiar to aid recall.
• Visualization: Picture what you are trying to remember in your mind.
• Chunking: Break down information, such as numbers or lists, into smaller, manageable chunks.

External Memory Strategies

• Written systems: Use calendars, day planners and checklists to keep track of important information.
• Organization systems: Tools like pill organizers or labeled drawers can help you keep track of items and tasks.
• Posted reminders: Place reminders in visible areas, like near the door, to ensure you don’t forget essential items.
• Environmental supports: Set out items you need for tasks ahead of time. For example, place a watering can by the door if you need to water plants in the morning.
• Time reminders: Use alarms on your phone or watch to remind you of tasks and appointments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients develop strategies to cope with mental changes. It aims to improve mental health and manage the psychological impact of chemo brain. This therapy focuses on techniques to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that affect cognitive function and overall well-being. With a therapist, you can work on:

• Awareness: The first step is to recognize negative thoughts, like “I can’t remember anything.”
• Challenge and reframe: Replace negative beliefs with more constructive and realistic positive ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I can’t remember anything,” you might say, “I can use strategies to help me remember.”
• Self-monitoring: Keep a journal of your thoughts to help identify patterns and triggers. This strategy allows you and your therapist to address specific issues more effectively.
• Positive affirmations: Regularly practice positive affirmations to reinforce the new, positive beliefs you want to establish. For example, say, “I am improving my memory every day,” to help solidify this mindset.

Occupational And Speech Therapy

These therapies can help patients improve their mental function and daily living skills.

• Occupational therapy: Focuses on ways to improve the ability to perform daily tasks. It can help patients as they cook, dress and use memory aids.
• Speech therapy: Helps with communication issues, such as word-finding difficulties. Therapists work with patients on exercises and strategies to improve language skills.

Practical Tips And Exercises

Engaging in mental exercises such as puzzles, word games and memory activities can help keep the brain active and improve function. It’s best to perform these activities when you feel most alert to reduce frustration. Kress and Hughes offer 6 memory tips to improve chemo brain. Patients can incorporate them into a daily routine to help manage stress and improve focus.

Get the Care You Deserve

At Franciscan Health, we understand the challenges of chemo brain and offer a variety of services to support you. Our Moving Beyond program provides comprehensive resources for survivors of cancer, such as therapies to help manage cognitive challenges. We help you navigate the complexities of cancer treatment to ensure you receive the care you deserve.

Explore our specialized services to find the support you need:

• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)