Cancer patients found a simple way to stay mentally sharp during chemotherapy
Key takeaways
- Many people undergoing chemotherapy experience a frustrating side effect often called "chemo brain." These cognitive changes can include trouble concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty juggling multiple tasks.
- Now, a Phase II clinical trial suggests that two relatively simple interventions, exercise and low-dose ibuprofen, may help reduce some of these cognitive challenges.
- Scientists have long known that both physical activity and anti-inflammatory medications can support brain health in various medical conditions.
Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.
Many people undergoing chemotherapy experience a frustrating side effect often called "chemo brain." These cognitive changes can include trouble concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty juggling multiple tasks. According to researchers, as many as 80% of chemotherapy patients experience some degree of cancer-related cognitive impairment.
Now, a Phase II clinical trial suggests that two relatively simple interventions, exercise and low-dose ibuprofen, may help reduce some of these cognitive challenges. The study was published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
Scientists have long known that both physical activity and anti-inflammatory medications can support brain health in various medical conditions. However, their effects on cancer-related cognitive impairment have not been well studied.