Non-pharmacological therapy options for chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment

Chemotherapy, which gives cancer patients a chance for a cure and an extended life, can also cause many side effects. One of these is chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment called chemobrain. Chemobrain is characterized by deficits in many cognitive areas, including memory, attention, concentration and executive function. The development of cognitive impairment can impair quality of life and affect decisions about cancer treatment. In recent years, this phenomenon has been gaining interest, resulting in a growing number of studies identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. Due to the increasing number of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and consequently experiencing cognitive impairment, the research is being undertaken to find effective forms of treatment for cognitive dysfunction. Research indicates that in addition to drug treatment, the use of non-pharmacological therapies can also be effective. These include various cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, such as mindfulness-based intervention, cognitive rehabilitation therapy and cognitive training games, which lead to a significant reduction in chemobrain-related discomfort. Studies on physical activity also indicate high efficacy in alleviating cognitive impairment and improving executive function. In addition, the use of various alternative medicine methods, particularly acupuncture, is also receiving attention. The purpose of this publication is to summarize the results of studies conducted to date evaluating non-pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment during chemotherapy.