Many people who go through chemotherapy notice changes in how their brain works. They may find it harder to focus, forget things more easily, or struggle to do several tasks at once.
This is often called “chemo brain,” and it can affect daily life in a frustrating way.
Studies suggest that up to 80 percent of patients receiving chemotherapy experience some level of these cognitive problems.
These changes are usually mild to moderate, but they can still be very stressful. Patients may feel less confident at work, in conversations, or even in simple daily activities.
Scientists have been trying to understand why this happens and how to reduce these effects. One possible cause is inflammation in the body and brain, which can be triggered by cancer and its treatments.
A new study published in the journal Cancer explored whether two simple approaches—exercise and a common anti-inflammatory drug called ibuprofen—might help protect brain function during chemotherapy. The research was led by Michelle C. Janelsins and her team from the University of Rochester.
Exercise has long been known to support overall health. It can improve blood flow, reduce stress, and lower inflammation. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is widely used to reduce pain and inflammation. Because both methods can affect inflammation, researchers wanted to see if they could also help reduce cognitive problems in cancer patients.
The study included 86 patients who were receiving chemotherapy and had already reported issues with memory or attention. The researchers divided them into four groups. One group followed a home-based exercise program and took low-dose ibuprofen.
Another group followed the same exercise program but took a placebo instead of ibuprofen. A third group took only ibuprofen, and the last group took only a placebo.
The exercise program, known as EXCAP, included walking and light resistance exercises. It was designed to be simple and manageable, even for patients undergoing treatment. Participants followed the program for six weeks.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that exercise had clear benefits. Patients who followed the exercise program showed better attention compared to those who did not exercise. This suggests that even moderate physical activity can help support brain function during chemotherapy.
The group that took ibuprofen also showed some improvements compared to the placebo group. However, the effects were not as strong or consistent as those seen with exercise.
In addition, there was one area where ibuprofen seemed less helpful. Patients taking ibuprofen showed less improvement in short-term verbal memory, which means remembering words or spoken information.
Interestingly, both exercise groups reported that people around them noticed fewer cognitive problems. Friends, family, and coworkers observed improvements in how these patients were thinking and functioning. This shows that the benefits were not only measurable in tests but also visible in daily life.
While the findings are promising, the study has some limitations. It lasted only six weeks and involved a relatively small number of participants. Larger and longer studies are needed to confirm the results and understand the best way to use these approaches.
Overall, the study suggests that exercise is a strong and safe option for helping reduce cognitive problems during chemotherapy. Ibuprofen may also provide some benefits, but its effects are less clear and may vary depending on the type of cognitive function.
In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of simple lifestyle changes in supporting brain health during cancer treatment. Exercise, in particular, stands out as a helpful and low-risk strategy.
However, patients should always talk to their healthcare provider before starting new treatments, especially when combining medications with other interventions.
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