
Keep it in one place so it’s easy to find. Make a list of important names and phone numbers.

Use a daily planner, recorder, or other electronic device to help you remember important activities. Write down and keep a list handy of important information. Mind–body practices such as meditation or mental exercises such as puzzles or games also help some people. Ask what light physical exercises may be helpful for you. Exercise releases endorphins, also known as "feel-good chemicals,"which give people a feeling of well-being. Exercise can help to decrease stress and help you to feel more alert. Long naps can make it more difficult to sleep at night. If you need to rest during the day, short naps of less than 1 hour are best. Get extra rest and plenty of sleep at night. Do things that need the most concentration at the time of day when you feel best. Here are some steps you can take to manage minor memory or concentration problems: It’s important for you or a family member to tell your health care team if you have difficulty remembering things, thinking, or concentrating. Ways to manage memory or concentration problems Treating conditions such as poor nutrition, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia may also help. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and advise you about ways to manage or treat these problems.


Some people notice very small changes, such as a bit more difficulty remembering things, whereas others have much greater memory or concentration problems. These cognitive problems may start during or after cancer treatment. So can some types of radiation therapy to the brain and immunotherapy. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy may cause difficulty with thinking, concentrating, or remembering things. Whether you have memory or concentration problems (sometimes described as a mental fog or chemo brain) depends on the type of treatment you receive, your age, and other health-related factors.
