A study has found that 'chemo brain', a condition experienced by breast cancer patients during chemotherapy that includes symptoms like memory loss and difficulty concentrating, does not increase the long-term risk of dementia. A joint research team led by Professor Dongwook Shin from the Department of Family Medicine at Samsung Medical Center, Professor Kyungdo Han of Soongsil University, and Professor Sumin Jeong of Seoul National University Hospital analyzed data from 77,001 breast cancer surgery patients and 183,600 individuals from the general population. After approximately eight years of follow-up, they found that the incidence of dementia was actually 8% lower among breast cancer patients compared to the general population. In particular, patients who received radiation therapy showed a 23% lower risk of developing dementia.
The research team suggested that certain components of anticancer drugs may exert protective effects by inhibiting or eliminating the accumulation of dementia-related substances. They also proposed that radiation therapy may help improve cognitive function by reducing brain inflammation. On the other hand, smokers, individuals with diabetes, and those with chronic kidney disease were found to have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. Therefore, the researchers recommended that breast cancer patients focus on managing these risk factors rather than worrying about the effects of chemotherapy.
Professor Sumin Jeong stated, “Some patients may experience temporary cognitive decline during breast cancer treatment, but this study confirms that such decline is not linked to an increased long-term risk of dementia.” She added, “Rather than feeling anxious about treatment, we should focus on recovery and maintaining overall health.”