Can Sea Snails Fix Chemo Brain?

Aplysia Californica

It appears we have a few things in common with sea snails. In fact, neurobiolgists have long recognized the scientific possibilities of their nervous systems, using them in studies of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They are reflexive creatures, containing only about 20,000 neurons compared to the 100 billion in the typical adult brain. But the neurons are large and relay information much the same way as in humans. That simplicity helps scientists isolate how they—and we—learn.

Wanted: Chemo Brain Rehab Programs - An Open Letter to Cancer Centers

As a science writer who went through cancer and post-treatment fog and then wrote a book about the “chemo brain” phenomenon, I can tell you there is enormous frustration in the cancer community over the lack of systems to help with quality of life.

The Poetry of Chemo Brain

I would like to congratulate Elise Partridge whose poem, “Chemo Side Effects: Memory,” was just posted on former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky’s Poetry Forum website.

Memory Problems After Cancer? Computer Games May Help

If you've been through cancer treatment and you are struggling with memory, concentration, multitasking and/or word retrieval issues, you may be hoping for that golden portal, that doorway back to your pre-cancer self. 

7-Year Mesothelioma Cancer Survivor Tells Her Story (and It's Not About Chemo Brain)

I think I've done a pretty good job (if I do say so myself) of restricting my blog specifically to the topic of chemo brain. I'm making an exception though for Heather Von St. James who wants to increase awareness of mesothelioma, the malignant cancer that is linked to inhaling asbestos particles. Her video is lovely and inspiring. I hope you'll watch it. See her note, below.

Neuropsych Testing Can Confirm Chemo Brain, Say UCLA Researchers

Historically, a frustration among researchers has been that neuropsychological testing is not sensitive enough to confirm a patient’s complaints of memory issues after chemotherapy.

Chemo Brain: A Guide for Caregivers

Sara Barton wrote this beautiful piece for her blog, "The Practical Caregiver -- Cancer." She has graciously allowed me to re-post it here. Not only does Sara write about her experiences as a caregiver but she provides tips and guides for others. See her blog at http://www.practicalcaregiver.org. -- ID

By Sara M. Barton

Guest Blogger

Getting Past Chemo Brain
I'm a big believer that family caregivers can make a difference for cancer patients when we focus on overcoming the dreaded "chemo brain" by helping our loved ones in gentle, respectful ways.

Navigating Through 'Chemo Brain'*

By

Idelle Davidson

Does any of this sound familiar? You’re halfway through what will be six rounds of chemotherapy when you notice a dense fog rolling over your brain. You grow forgetful. The responsibility of making even small decisions overwhelms you. You find multitasking impossible; good luck completing any task at all. Driving shatters your nerves; you’re disoriented, no longer sure which direction is home.

Second-Hand Smoke and Memory Loss

In my July 5th column (Is Nicotine Good for Chemo Brain?), I wrote about the nicotine patch. Studies suggest the patch may help with memory loss.