Problems with attention, thinking warm memory are common in patients with cancer.  These may vary in severity and I’ll often make it hard to complete daily tasks.  If you’re experiencing any changes in attention, thinking or memory, be sure to discuss this with your health care team.  We want you to remain safe and encourage you to ask for help.

Organizing health information by using MDS manager can help you in organizing your thoughts.   The symptom tracker may help you keep track of symptoms you’re experiencing in between visits to your health care provider.

Things you can do:

1. Keep a log of symptoms that you are concerned about. These can be tracked in the MDS Manager Symptom Tracker.  Discuss these with your health care team.
2. Keep all your appointments as scheduled.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. Stay active.
6. Stay connected to friends and family and community activities
7. Exercise your mind. Use crossword puzzles, reading, and other mind exercise program such as Luminosity: Memory and Concentration Exercises  www.lumosity.com/Sign-Up-Free
8. Involve as many senses as possible.
9. Reduced background noise during conversations.

Additional Resources:

MDS Foundation:  multisite-demo.com      www.BuildingBlocksofHope.com

Cancer.net: Attention, Thinking or Memory Problems

http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/attention-thinking-or-memory-problems

Cancer Care:  Chemo Brain   http://www.cancercare.org/publications/72-chemobrain_what_you_need_to_know

Oncolink: Chemo Brain   https://www.oncolink.org/support/side-effects/chemo-brain