What are cognitive changes?

• Treatment affects people differently, depending on their individual reaction to their treatments.

• Some treatment regimes may bring on cognitive changes. Brain cancers and their treatment may also lead to people experiencing cognitive changes.

Cognitive changes could include:

• Shorter concentration periods

• Reduced levels of consciousness

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Memory loss, especially short term memory loss

• Hallucinations

• Disorientation

Cognitive changes occur at different times depending on treatment regimes:

• During chemotherapy

• Gradually over the span of the treatment

• Right after surgery

• Suddenly after treatment

Remember: Cognitive changes improve with time. Changes that occur because of certain medications will normally stop once the medicines no longer need to be taken.

How to handle cognitive changes

Being aware of the possibility of cognitive changes is a very helpful to minimising their effect on your every day life. Ask you family and close friends to be aware also, as they may pick up something that you don't.

If you are experiencing cognitive changes, you may be given medication for them. Take them as directed.

If you are aware of cognitive changes in yourself, then there are number of easy things you can use to minimise their affect on your life:

• Keep a medication journal in which you write down the date, time and name of the medication you've taken.

• Take your medication at the same time everyday.

• Use a medication reminder or pill dispenser.

• Ask for help when you need it.

• Avoid possibly dangerous activities if you are alone like cooking, driving, using power tools or travelling to unfamiliar places.