Brain fog is one of the side effects of cancer treatment that exercise may help reduce.
Exercise has been increasingly recognized as a beneficial intervention for cancer patients, helping to mitigate various treatment-related side effects, including “chemo brain” or cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI)—often described as brain fog. Here’s how exercise may help:
1. Reducing Brain Fog (Chemo Brain)
- Cognitive Benefits: Studies suggest that regular physical activity can improve memory, attention, and executive function in cancer patients by promoting neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and enhancing blood flow to the brain.
- Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Exercise helps reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are thought to contribute to cognitive decline during chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
- BDNF Boost: Physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron health and cognitive function.
2. Other Treatment Side Effects Exercise May Help With
- Fatigue: One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment, fatigue can be significantly reduced with moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, cycling).
- Mood & Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, helping to combat depression and anxiety often associated with cancer treatment.
- Muscle & Bone Strength: Prevents muscle loss (sarcopenia) and bone density reduction caused by certain therapies (e.g., hormonal treatments for breast/prostate cancer).
- Sleep Quality: Regular movement can improve sleep disturbances linked to cancer treatments.
- Cardiovascular Health: Some treatments (like certain chemotherapies or radiation) can harm heart health; exercise helps maintain cardiovascular fitness.
Recommended Types of Exercise
- Aerobic Exercise (e.g., walking, swimming, cycling) – 150 mins/week of moderate activity.
- Resistance Training (light weights, resistance bands) – Helps maintain muscle mass.
- Mind-Body Exercises (yoga, tai chi) – Reduces stress and improves mental clarity.
Key Considerations
- Personalization: Exercise plans should be tailored to the patient’s condition, treatment phase, and fitness level.
- Medical Supervision: Some patients (e.g., those with bone metastases or severe fatigue) may need modified routines.
- Consistency Over Intensity: Even light activity (like short walks) can be beneficial.
Scientific Support
- A 2022 study in JAMA Oncology found that breast cancer survivors who engaged in regular exercise had better cognitive function than sedentary peers.
- The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends exercise as a key part of cancer rehabilitation.
Reference:
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/physical-activity-cognitive-function
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