Understanding Chemo Brain

9. Medications

Researchers have been studying drugs as treatments for cognitive dysfunction in people with cancer. They tested erythropoietin-stimulating medications and psychostimulants with mixed results. In a 2012 study published in PloS One, an antidepressant appeared to protect against neurological damage from cytostatic drugs. A 2018 study discusses a drug that may reverse chemo brain symptoms. In animal studies, researchers administered medication that deactivated the brain’s microglia immune cells. This facilitated the function of astrocytes, cells that help neurons work properly. Consequently, the drug appeared to alleviate many cognitive disorders associated with chemo brain.