Cognitive fatigue is often described as “brain fog” and is sometimes referred to as “chemo brain”. You don’t need to have had chemotherapy to experience it. It’s common for anyone who has had cancer or treatment.
It can affect your day-to-day life and confidence, especially when it comes to thinking clearly, concentrating, or remembering things.
Common experiences
You may notice:
- Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
- Problems with memory or forgetting what you were doing
- Slower thinking or problem solving
- Struggling to find the right words
- Finding everyday tasks more mentally tiring
These symptoms often feel worse when you are already tired. While frustrating, they are very common and do not mean anything serious is wrong.
Managing cognitive fatigue
Stay calm: Feeling flustered can make symptoms worse. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and explain to others if you need to. Cognitive fatigue can be a sign that you need to slow down and rest.
Useful resources:
- Diaphragmatic breathing and body scanning resource
- Managing breathlessness audiobook | Macmillan Cancer Support
Plan your activities
Try to schedule important conversations or tasks at times when your mental energy is at its best. For many people, this is earlier in the day, but it will vary.
Make time to rest and recharge
Resting your mind is just as important as resting your body. This could be:
- Sitting quietly with a drink
- Listening to music
- Going for a short walk
Find what helps you feel refreshed and make time for it regularly.
Use practical strategies
Simple tools can reduce frustration and save energy:
- Keep a diary or use reminders
- Write lists and tick things off
- Keep everyday items (like keys) in the same place
Key message
Cognitive fatigue is a normal part of the cancer experience for many people. It doesn’t mean you are “losing the plot” it usually means your mind is tired and needs time to recover.
Learning to recognise this and adjust how you use your energy can help you feel more in control.