Insights

JANUARY 10, 2012

"Chemo Brain" --
Cognitive Changes after Cancer:  "I can't find my…."

Patricia Ganz, MD

Where are my keys? What was that phone number? My brain feels so foggy…. I just can't concentrate….. Comments like these are common complaints by individuals during and after chemotherapy. There has been greater discussion about these symptoms and are often referred to as "Chemo Brain." There is a growing interest in understanding these symptoms and what impact chemotherapy has on the brain. Researchers have started using imaging for clues and there is a growing body of research on this topic, with still more work to be done. Dr. Ganz discusses the current state of knowledge about these symptoms, potential strategies for management including ruling out and treating other conditions that may enhance the effects of treatment related as well as other causes of symptoms such as depression that should be treated.

Patricia Ganz, MD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine and Professor of Health Services as well as the Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Ganz is a medical oncologist and active researcher in the field of quality of life and survivorship issues and developed UCLA's LiveSTRONG™ Center for Excellence for Cancer Survivors. Dr. Ganz is also an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor. Dr. Ganz has a keen interest in all areas of survivorship and the short and long term effects of cancer therapies on individuals treated for cancer.