The founder and lead surgeon of the Las Colinas Cancer Center talks about the benefits of rehab.

Irving, TX – Fighting the fatigue, forgetfulness and confusion that can accompany chemotherapy treatments may be possible. New research indicates there is a way for patients to regain mental acuity and leave this common treatment side effect behind. The use of online training tools from the comfort of a patient’s own home may offer the edge many seek to combat this concern.

Chemo brain occurs when treatments leave patients suffering from difficulties with mental processing. Often a lingering concern, this side effect can produce such issues as difficulty concentrating, problems with short-term memory, forgetfulness and other related symptoms.

“Research is showing that the use of computer programs designed to challenge and train the mind can have a big impact on the symptoms of chemo brain,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Las Colinas Cancer Center. “These cognitive training tools call for the use of web-based programs that challenge the mind while sharpening cognitive abilities in the process.”

A recent study into the use of a program called InSight showed promising results in regard to chemo brain. Patients reported marked improvements in cognitive testing scores after using the program for about 15 weeks. Improvements of 25 to 30 percent in cognitive abilities were found among patients who used the program versus those who did not.

“Chemo brain is a very common concern that patients are often hesitant to share with others, including their healthcare providers,” says Dr. Echt. “It is very important for patients to report all troubling treatment side effects to their doctors. There is help available to combat most concerns, including chemo brain.”

While further study is required to determine the long-term benefits of programs like InSight for helping lessen the symptoms of chemo brain, the findings so far have been quite positive. Similar measures are used to help those who are concerned about losing mental sharpness with age.

About Las Colinas Cancer Center
Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.