This month marks the 5-year anniversary of my initial cancer surgery and the beginning of a long journey that I regard as into and out of a pit. I use that term because of the ravaging effects of "chemo" on my mental and physical functioning; at the time, I had to regard it as a necessary evil. Consequently, I refer to myself as a cancer AND a chemotherapy survivor. In 2002, information for oncology patients did not cover the risk of impaired memory, thinking, or speaking. Fortunately that has changed somewhat due to increased awareness of this treatment side effect.
For years, pharmaceutical companies maintained that chemotherapy did not cross the blood-brain barrier (the body's natural protection against foreign substances). Recent knowledge about the brain's capacity to change throughout life, known as neuroplasticity, helped bring the true nature of chemo's effects to light. Since chemotherapy is designed to kill rapidly growing cells more or less indiscriminately, it stands to reason that brain cells would be affected. I can assure you, from personal experience, that is true.
The good news is that many patients begin to recover cognitive functions shortly after chemo is stopped. I used exercise (which stimulates the growth of new cells in the brain), as well as a regimen of vitamins, other supplements, diet, and training to recover about 98% of my original capability.
Cardiac surgery, which frequently involves stopping the heart for an extended period, can also cause at least temporary impairment of mental functioning. While very little is known about the side effect known as "pump head," it's likely that the surgery results in either brain cell death or the blocking of transmission between the cells. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery would be well advised to have pre- and post-measures of memory and processing speed, so that they can achieve better mental fitness rapidly after surgery.
Note: useful supplements include folic acid, a Mental Clarity complex, alpha lipoic acid, lecithin, and RNA (an ingredient in the Fuser Energy Micro-bar). We offer these in our Center and can help measure how well supplements are working for you. Our online store will be "open" soon. If you need assistance or supplements now, call (804) 360-5976.