SLOW BRAIN: Chemotherapy Immediately Impacts Cognitive Processing Speed

This episode investigates immediate cognitive changes in breast and colorectal cancer patients following intravenous chemotherapy using tests for attention and executive function. The study found a significant slowing in reaction time as measured with a BrainSherpa type test on an attention test immediately post-chemotherapy, with some patients showing impairment comparable to mild alcohol intoxication. Interestingly, self-reported symptoms did not correlate with this cognitive slowing, suggesting a lack of awareness of the acute impact. While a test of executive function showed improvement likely due to practice, the findings indicate that chemotherapy can have an immediate, measurable effect on certain cognitive abilities, potentially impacting patient safety and daily activities. Further research is recommended to explore the duration and functional consequences of this acute cognitive impairment.