What can you do to prevent memory loss?

There are many ways you can counteract your forgetfulness. Some methods try to strengthen your memory. Others help you to reduce the negative effects on your daily life. These methods have usually been successful.

Seek help

• Talk to your treatment team.
• Contact counsellors.

Plan your day

• Divide upcoming tasks into smaller tasks.
• Do not try to do two tasks at once.
• Make sure you take regular breaks and get enough sleep.
• Make notes and lists.
• Write down important dates in a calendar.

Exercise your body and mind

• Use movement exercises such as Tai Chi, Chi Gong or Yoga.
• Do sports like swimming or hiking.
• Play chess, do crosswords or puzzles.
• Try handicrafts.
• Learn a foreign language or a musical instrument.

Author: Dr. Volker Henn| Reviewer: Dr. Christian Keinki

Sources:

• Memory or Concentration Problems and Cancer Treatment. (2022, December 30). National Cancer Institute. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/memory
• Attention, Thinking, and Memory Problems. (2019, December). Cancer.Net. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/attention-thinking-and-memory-problems
• Lange, M., Joly, F., Vardy, J., Ahles, T., Dubois, M., Tron, L., Winocur, G., De Ruiter, M., & Castel, H. (2019). Cancer-related cognitive impairment: an update on state of the art, detection, and management strategies in cancer survivors. Annals of Oncology, 30(12), 1925–1940. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdz410
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• Farahani, M. A., Soleimanpour, S., Mayo, S. J., Myers, J. S., Panesar, P., & Ameri, F. (2022). The effect of mind-body exercise on cognitive function in cancer survivors: A systematic review. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 32(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.5737/236880763213848
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