Memory Loss and Breast Cancer
Memory loss is when you consistently forget things you used to be able to remember. These occasional memory lapses can be either temporary or permanent. Everyone forgets things from time to time, and people are more likely to have memory problems the older they get. There are many causes of short-term and long-term memory loss, some of which are:
certain breast cancer treatments
side effects of breast cancer treatment and certain medicines
stress
Breast cancer treatments and memory
Some breast cancer treatments can affect memory, especially chemotherapy medicines. Many people who receive chemotherapy for cancer report problems remembering, thinking, and concentrating. This is commonly called chemo brain or chemo fog. Radiation therapy, hormonal therapy medicines, and ovarian shutdown or removal also can cause memory and thinking problems.
Side effects and memory
Breast cancer treatment side effects can affect memory, including fatigue and trouble sleeping. Memory loss can also be a side effect of other medicines, such as steroids, antidepressants, sleep medicines, and pain medicines. Talk to your doctor if you’ve noticed changes in your memory since starting any medicine.
Menopause and memory
When you’re in menopause, it’s normal to feel fuzzy or less sharp mentally. It’s also normal to find that you can’t remember or concentrate as well as you’re used to. It's not clear to what extent natural menopause affects memory, or whether it’s just a part of the regular aging process. There isn’t much evidence showing that natural menopause affects memory or mental function. Menopause side effects such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances might affect memory and concentration. There is also some evidence that medically induced menopause can have a negative effect on memory.
Researchers are still figuring out how estrogen levels affect mental functioning and memory to see if there is a connection between low estrogen levels and memory loss.
Stress and memory
Stress can contribute to memory problems and, for some people, a breast cancer diagnosis can be stressful. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, or trouble sleeping can all affect memory.
Evaluating memory loss
If you’re having memory problems that are disrupting your daily life, talk to your doctor. There are tests that can evaluate the degree of memory loss and help your doctor figure out what might be causing it. It’s a good idea to take someone you trust with you. Your doctor might ask some of the following questions as part of your memory loss evaluation:
Does memory loss cause difficulties in your daily living? Are you unable to do things you used to do with ease, such as balancing your checkbook or remembering how to drive to a friend’s house?
Do the memory lapses happen regularly?
Are you constantly repeating yourself in conversations, asking the same questions over and over, or having trouble remembering conversations?
Do you forget the names or faces of family members or close friends?
Do you often feel confused?
Is the memory loss getting worse over time?
Managing memory loss
Memory is very dependent on mental conditioning — how often and how long you use your memory and other brain functions. Contrary to popular belief, brain cells are not fixed in number. No matter how old you are, you can still grow new brain cells. The more rigorously and regularly you exercise your brain, the better it can function.
So keep your brain busy: learn new things and have new experiences, and stir up your memory by testing yourself on what you'd like to remember — telephone numbers or family birthdays. It also may be helpful to make to-do lists, set reminders for yourself, and avoid taking on too many tasks at once.
Some people find the following tips helpful:
Stretch your brain by keeping mentally active with word puzzles, reading, and any other activity that makes you think.
Stay as physically active as possible. Exercise has been shown to help thinking and memory issues. One study found that people who exercised before, during, and after chemotherapy were less likely to have chemo brain.
Keep a notepad nearby to jot down things you have to do and ideas you have.
Use a calendar to keep track of upcoming events and appointments.
Take a buddy with you to doctor appointments so they can take notes and help you remember as much information as possible.
Create a routine and stick to it so you have a familiar plan of action. Tell your family and friends about your routine for additional support.
Although there are many herbal supplements claiming to be memory boosters, there is no proof they have any effect on memory or mental functioning.
Learn more about minimizing chemo side effects.
— Last updated on December 5, 2024 at 7:25 PM
