Thoughts on Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction
I chose to listen to the Glass Half Full's podcast on cancer related cognitive dysfunction. I chose this podcast because I am interested in working with cancer patients in the future and am generally curious how OT can benefit cancer patients. I combined some of the information I learned from this podcast with information from my aunt, a breast cancer survivor. I was surprised to learn that 70% of breast cancer survivors experience symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Some of the key symptoms of cognitive dysfunction include short-term memory loss, difficulties multitasking, reduced processing speeds, difficulties problem solving, and executive dysfunction. Physically and emotionally my aunt is in terrific shape which was why I was surprised to learn, even 2 years after her last chemo treatment, that she experiences what she calls "chemo brain." Chemo brain is a term used to refer to the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, even though these symptoms may not necessarily be due to the treatments but rather the cancer itself or secondary conditions caused by the treatment. Secondary conditions, such as cancer related fatigue or depression, make cognitive dysfunction difficult to diagnose as they involve the same symptoms. However, patients may notice that the fatigue has gone away yet they are still experiencing a foggy cognition.
How can occupational therapy help patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction? These symptoms affect occupational performance in many ways. A major role that cognitive dysfunction can affect is that of being a caregiver, as the age of those affected by breast cancer continues to decrease. With short term memory loss, it may be overwhelming just to take care of ones own needs let alone the needs of another. In my aunts case, we had actually been talking on the phone the other day about a fried rice recipe I had used. She informed me she had already forgotten the steps I had used. She said her interest in the topic was there, so she did not mean to forget, she just could not retain the information. OT's can use compensatory approaches to helping people who are experiencing this, such as using memory aids like sticky notes, a planner, or setting reminders on phones. Social participation may also be affected as the stress of trying to keep up with a conversation due to delayed processing speeds might make one less motivated to keep up with relationships. An OT can be an important aide in the adjustment of post-cancer life as cognitive dysfunction may be a side effect that they did not foresee or were forewarned about. OTs can help them make adjustments to their daily life to make sure their occupational performance is where it was pre-treatment.
How can occupational therapy help patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction? These symptoms affect occupational performance in many ways. A major role that cognitive dysfunction can affect is that of being a caregiver, as the age of those affected by breast cancer continues to decrease. With short term memory loss, it may be overwhelming just to take care of ones own needs let alone the needs of another. In my aunts case, we had actually been talking on the phone the other day about a fried rice recipe I had used. She informed me she had already forgotten the steps I had used. She said her interest in the topic was there, so she did not mean to forget, she just could not retain the information. OT's can use compensatory approaches to helping people who are experiencing this, such as using memory aids like sticky notes, a planner, or setting reminders on phones. Social participation may also be affected as the stress of trying to keep up with a conversation due to delayed processing speeds might make one less motivated to keep up with relationships. An OT can be an important aide in the adjustment of post-cancer life as cognitive dysfunction may be a side effect that they did not foresee or were forewarned about. OTs can help them make adjustments to their daily life to make sure their occupational performance is where it was pre-treatment.
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