It often starts small. A forgotten word, a lost train of thought, or the feeling that your mind is moving slower than usual.
For many people in cancer treatment, that mental haze becomes a frustrating reality. Now, attention is turning to surprisingly simple ways to manage it.
A new angle
According to News Medical, citing research from the University of Rochester Medical Center, scientists have explored whether ibuprofen could help improve cognitive function during chemotherapy. The study, led by Michelle Janelsins, was published in the journal Cancer.
The research builds on earlier work showing that lifestyle approaches, especially exercise, can ease several treatment-related symptoms, including mental fatigue.
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How it was tested
The trial included 86 patients undergoing chemotherapy who reported cognitive challenges.
Over six weeks, participants were divided into groups combining physical activity and low-dose ibuprofen in different setups.
The exercise program was designed to be manageable at home, focusing on walking and light strength training.
- Exercise with ibuprofen
- Exercise without ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen only
- No active treatment
What they found
Both ibuprofen and exercise led to improvements compared to those receiving no intervention. Gains were particularly noticeable in attention and mental clarity.
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Still, physical activity delivered the most consistent results. Patients who stayed active showed broader improvements, sometimes noticeable to those around them.
Ibuprofen appeared to support certain cognitive functions, though not as reliably.
What it means
The findings point toward accessible strategies that may help patients cope with “chemo brain.”
Researchers caution that medication should only be used in consultation with healthcare professionals.
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Further studies are already in progress to better understand long-term effects and optimal use.
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