Changes in thinking and memory
Some people diagnosed with cancer notice changes in the way they think and remember information. This is called cancer-related cognitive impairment, but people may also refer to it as “cancer fog” or “chemo brain”.
Read on to learn more about how to manage your day-to-day tasks and improve thinking and memory.
Learn more about:
- What is cancer-related cognitive impairment?
- How can thinking and memory be affected?
- What causes cognitive changes?
- Who is affected?
- How long does it last?
- Effect on your emotional well-being
- Managing thinking and memory changes
- What is cognitive rehabilitation?
Listen to our podcast on Brain Fog and Cancer
What is cancer-related cognitive impairment?
Every day, your brain controls your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. The natural ageing process affects how the brain works (known as cognition or cognitive function). However, people with cancer often report a noticeable or sudden decline in cognitive function.
How can thinking and memory be affected?
Cognitive problems can occur before, during or after cancer treatment. Some people notice small or subtle changes, but for others the effects are more obvious. These may include:
- a feeling of mental “fogginess” or sluggishness
- difficulty concentrating or focusing
- memory changes (forgetting names, dates, words and things you would usually recall)
- difficulty finding words during conversations
- finding it hard to do more than one thing at a time (multi-tasking)
- difficulty processing information, including following directions, problem-solving or learning new skills being unusually disorganised
- feeling unable to keep up with conversations
- tiredness or fatigue.
What causes cognitive changes?
The exact causes of thinking and memory changes are unknown. So far, studies show the causes may include:
- cancer treatments
- treatment side effects, such as trouble sleeping, fatigue, pain, low blood counts and hormone changes
- medicines given for surgery or to manage side effects of treatment, including anaesthetic, steroids, painkillers and anti-nausea drugs
- your emotions, such as feelings of depression or anxiety
- inflammation caused by the cancer, and the way it impacts brain processes
- in some cases, the physical presence of a tumour in the brain, which can affect mental function.
Who is affected?
Although thinking and memory changes do not affect everyone with cancer, research shows it is relatively common. According to one study, it can affect up to three in four people during treatment, about one in three people before treatment and one in three after treatment.
How long does it last?
Thinking and memory problems are usually temporary and get better with time. Most people say they notice improvements within the first year after finishing treatment. Other people experience longer- term effects. Learning how to manage cognitive problems may reduce the impact on your daily life.
Effect on your emotional well-being
Dealing with cancer-related cognitive impairment can be challenging. You may not feel like yourself, which can affect your relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Changes in your thinking or memory can have a big impact on your ability to manage at home, while working or studying, or during social activities. This may make you feel upset, scared or frustrated.
You might feel you have to put in extra mental effort and energy to do tasks. Try to be gentle with yourself and allow time to recover.
| Speak with your health care team if you are concerned about your ability to think clearly, concentrate and remember things. |
Click on the icon below to download a PDF fact sheet on Changes in Thinking and Memory.
Instructions for downloading and reading EPUB files
Apple devices
The iBooks application must be installed on your Apple device before you can read the EPUB.
Different ways to download an EPUB file to your Apple device:
- email EPUB files to yourself and transfer the attachment to iBooks.
- copy EPUB files into DropBox (or a similar service) and use the DropBox app to send them to iBooks.
- open EPUB files directly from Mobile Safari and open them in iBooks, where they are saved automatically by downloading the EPUB from the website.
Need more help? Visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4059
Kobo
To download an EPUB file to your Kobo from a Windows computer:
- download and save the EPUB directly onto your desktop.
- connect your Kobo to your computer using the USB cable and tap “Connect” on your eReader.
- select “Open folder to view files” to view the contents of your Kobo.
- navigate to where you have stored your EPUB file in “Finder”, in documents or downloads, and drag and drop it into the Kobo window. You can now disconnect your Kobo to read the eBook.
To download an EPUB to your Kobo from a Mac:
- download and save the EPUB directly onto your desktop.
- connect your Kobo to your computer using the USB cable and tap “Connect” on your eReader.
- open your “Finder” application.
- select “Kobo eReader” from the listed devices to view the contents of your Kobo.
- navigate to where you have stored your EPUB file in “Finder”, probably in documents or downloads, and drag and drop it into the Kobo window. You can now disconnect your Kobo to read the eBook.
Turn on your Kobo and your EPUB will be located in “eBooks”, while a PDF will be located in “Documents”.
Need more information? Visit: http://www.kobo.com/help/koboaura/response/?id=3784&type=3
Sony Reader
To download an EPUB file on your Sony Reader™:
- ensure you have already installed the Reader™ Library for PC/Mac software
- select the eBook you want from our website and click the link to download it.
- connect the Reader™ to your computer.
- open the Reader™ Library software and click “Library” in the left-hand pane and select the eBook to view it.
Need more help? Visit: https://au.readerstore.sony.com/apps_and_devices/
Amazon Kindle 2nd Generation devices
EPUB files can’t be read on the Amazon Kindle™. However, like most eReaders, Kindle™ 2nd Generation devices are able to display PDFs. We recommend that you download the PDF version of this booklet if you would like to read it on a Kindle™.
To transfer a PDF to your Kindle™ via USB cable from your computer or Mac:
- download the PDF directly onto your computer.
- connect the USB cable to your computer’s USB port, and the micro USB end of the cable to your Kindle™. Note: the Kindle™ won’t be available as a reading device while it is connected to your computer until it has been disconnected.
- open the Kindle™ drive and several folders will appear inside. The “Documents” folder is where you will need to copy or drag the PDF to.
- safely eject your Kindle™ from your computer and unplug the USB cable. Your content will appear on the Home Screen.
Kindle also provides a Kindle Personal Documents Service that allows users to send documents as an attachment directly to your eReader. For more information on this service, visit http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=help_search_1-1?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200767340&qid=1395967989&sr=1-1
For more information on accessing a PDF on your Kindle™, visit www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle, log in to your account and click on Personal Document Settings.
Need more help? Visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200375630
Android and PC
You can also download and open eBooks on Android devices and PCs with appropriate apps or software installed. Suitable eReader apps for Android include Google Play Books, FBReader and Moon+ Reader. Suitable software for PCs include Calibre and Adobe Digital Editions.
This information was last reviewed in June 2018
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