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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffNo alternative treatments have been found to cure chemo brain. If you're interested in trying alternative treatments for your symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Alternative treatments for other types of memory problems are also touted as helpful for chemo brain, such as:
- Ginkgo. Supplements containing ginkgo leaves have shown some promise in treating age-related memory changes in older adults, but more study is needed. Ginkgo supplements are generally safe, but they can interfere with some common medications, including blood thinners. Talk to your doctor before beginning ginkgo supplements.
- Vitamin E. Vitamin E may be beneficial for brain cells, but more study is needed. Vitamin E supplements are generally safe when taken in recommended doses, but they can interfere with common medications, including blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs. It may be easier and safer to choose foods that are high in vitamin E, such as vegetable oils and eggs.
References
- Vardy J, et al. Cognitive function after chemotherapy in adults with solid tumors. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 2007;63(3):183-202.
- Vardy J, et al. Evaluation of cognitive function associated with chemotherapy: A review of published studies and recommendations for future research. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007;25(17):2455-2463.
- Definition of a neuropsychologist. National Academy of Neuropsychology. http://www.nanonline.org/NAN/PAIC/PositionPapers/DefinitionofaNeuropsychologist.aspx. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Vardy J, et al. Cancer and cancer-therapy related cognitive dysfunction: An international perspective from the Venice cognitive workshop. Annals of Oncology. 2008;19(4):623-629.
- Taillibert S, et al. Chemobrain: Is systemic chemotherapy neurotoxic? Current Opinion in Oncology. 2007;19(6):623-627.
- Hurria A, et al. Renaming "chemobrain." Cancer Investigation. 2007;25(6):373-377.
- Cognitive problems after chemotherapy. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_cognitive.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Doctor, can we talk about chemobrain? CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_doctor_talk.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Ways to improve concentration: Three key steps. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_concentration.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Combating chemobrain: Keeping your memory sharp. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_memory.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Cognitive changes. Lance Armstrong Foundation. http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2660693/k.2D96/Physical_Effects_Cognitive_Changes.htm. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Cognitive problems. Cancer.Net. http://www.asco.org/patient/Diagnosis+and+Treatment/Treating+Cancer/Managing+Side+Effects/Cognitive+Problems. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Vitamin E. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Brown PD, et al. Neurocognitive effects. In: DeVita TJ, et al. Cancer Principles & Practice of Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:2751-2756.
- Ganz PA. Cancer Survivorship. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2007:59-60.
- Ferguson RJ, et al. Management of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction. In: Feuerstein M. Handbook of Cancer Survivorship. New York, NY: Springer; 2007:287-301.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2008.
- Creagan ET (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 11, 2008.
