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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffThe severity and duration of the symptoms sometimes described as chemo brain differs from person to person. Some cancer survivors may return to work, but find tasks take extra concentration or time. Others will be unable to return to work.
If you experience severe memory or concentration problems that make it difficult to do your job, tell your doctor. You may be referred to an occupational therapist, who can help you adjust to your current job or identify your strengths so that you may find a new job.
In rare cases, people with memory and concentration problems are unable to work and must file for disability benefits. Ask your health care team for a referral to an oncology social worker or a similar professional who can help you understand your options.
- 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.
