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5 Things to Know About Chemo Brain
June 13, 2025
Struggling to find the right word? Forgot why you walked into a room?
If you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s not just you — it could be chemo brain, and it’s more common than you think.
The good news? Understanding chemo brain can make it easier to manage. To break it down, we asked Sara Dost, MD, a medical oncologist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, what you need to know.
1. It’s not just from chemotherapy.
Chemo brain refers to cognitive changes like memory issues and trouble concentrating that some people experience during or after cancer treatment.
“It’s also called cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) because other treatments – and even cancer itself – can play a role,” says Dr. Dost.
While chemotherapy is a major factor, other treatments can also affect cognitive function, including:
- Radiation.
- Hormone therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Surgery.
> Related: 5 Ways to Deal With Fatigue During Cancer Treatment
2. Symptoms can look different for everyone.
If you have chemo brain, you already know how much it can impact your daily life.
You might experience some – or all – of these symptoms:
- Forgetting things you’d normally remember.
- Trouble focusing on a task or conversation.
- Struggling to find the right words.
- A short attention span.
- Feeling overwhelmed by too much information.
- Difficulty multitasking.
“It can feel like you’re stuck in a mental fog,” says Dr. Dost. “When your brain isn’t firing on all cylinders, even simple tasks, work and social interactions can feel frustrating – especially if you find yourself mentally drained more quickly.”
> Related: 5 Ways to Sleep Better During Cancer Treatment
3. Healing takes time.
Chemo brain doesn’t follow a set schedule.
“Many people see improvement over time, but for some, cognitive changes can linger – especially after intensive treatment,” says Dr. Dost. “Be kind and patient with yourself as you go through this process.”
4. You can take steps to manage it.
You don’t have to navigate chemo brain alone.
Here are a few simple strategies Dr. Dost recommends:
- Write it down: A planner can help keep tasks and appointments organized.
- Keep your brain active: Puzzles, memory games or learning something new can sharpen focus.
- Take care of yourself: Eating well, moving your body and getting rest support brain function.
- One step at a time: Breaking tasks into smaller parts makes them more manageable.
- Find your calm: Meditation and deep breathing can help clear mental fog.
- Stay connected: Spending time with others keeps your brain engaged and spirits up.
“Small changes can make a big difference,” says Dr. Dost. “Find what works best for you.”
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5. Lean on your team if you need help.
If chemo brain is making daily life harder, speak up – support is available.
“Talk to your doctor,” urges Dr. Dost. “We’ll discuss your symptoms and find ways to help, whether through cognitive rehab, occupational therapy or other personalized strategies. The first step to feeling better is starting the conversation.”