A study published in the November issue of the Archives of Neurology validated the claims made by patients that they suffered from reduced cognitive function after receiving chemotherapy. The study showed that breast cancer survivors who have been treated with chemotherapy had significant changes in brain activity.

The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in the prefrontal areas associated with executive functioning and found that women who had undergone chemotherapy had significantly reduced prefrontal cortex activation.

It’s good for those suffering from “chemo brain” to know that it is a real problem. It is not just stress or their imagination but a real disability that deserves more study and the development of strategies for recovery.