Aerobic exercise can help with 'brain fog' - one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy that makes it difficult for breast cancer patients to recall information and think clearly.
Lifestyle changes, such as aerobic exercise, are often recommended for older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment to help reduce brain fog - Photo: First Cry Parenting
Previous studies have shown that up to 75% of people undergoing chemotherapy experience this cognitive impairment. There are a number of ways to treat chemotherapy-induced brain fog, such as medication, mindfulness-based interventions, and physical activity.
The impact of aerobic exercise on chemotherapy
“Most people have probably experienced some form of brain fog, where it becomes difficult to think clearly, process information, or maintain focus,” Jennifer Brunet, PhD, a full professor in the University of Ottawa's School of Exercise Science, explained to Medical News Today.
“This phenomenon is often amplified in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, with research showing that around 75% experience brain fog symptoms, such as confusion, forgetfulness, slowed thinking and difficulty concentrating.”
Brunet is the lead author of a new study recently published in the journal CANCER, which found that women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer — who also began an aerobic exercise program — self-reported significant improvements in both cognitive function and quality of life compared to women who did not participate.
In this study, researchers recruited 57 women from Ottawa and Vancouver (Canada) diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer.
All participants participated in an aerobic exercise program lasting 12 to 24 weeks. Twenty-eight people started the exercise program at the same time they started chemotherapy, while the remaining 29 started after completing chemotherapy.
“Lifestyle changes, such as aerobic exercise, are often recommended for older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment to help reduce brain fog and its effects.
Research suggests that aerobic exercise can improve both mental and physical health and may also help boost cognitive function in women. However, strong evidence for this is still lacking,” says Brunet.
Starting exercise and chemotherapy at the same time may help
At the end of the study, Brunet and colleagues found that women who began an aerobic exercise program at the same time as starting chemotherapy self-reported improved cognitive and mental function, compared with those who began exercising after chemotherapy ended.
However, the researchers noted that neuropsychological tests showed similar cognitive performance in both groups.
“Healthcare providers need to recognize that brain fog is a common and burdensome side effect of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. While exercise may not completely eliminate brain fog, it can address some of the underlying causes,” Brunet said.
Dr. Bhavana Pathak, a hematologist and oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute in Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in California, said she was pleased that the study was conducted because there is currently little standard of care for treating chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment.
“This addresses the quality of life aspects of treatment,” she said.
“Interestingly, the benefits of exercise were seen in both groups regardless of when the physical activity occurred, during or after chemotherapy treatment,” said Diana Garrett, MD, a physical therapist and program director of physical therapy services at the Institute for Women’s Health and Wellness at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. “This underscores the importance of staying active and physically active,” she said.
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