Memory Strategies for Chemo Brain Fog

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

What Causes Chemo Brain?

Exercising the brain to improve memory and focus is a top priority for many during cancer treatment. Your brain has the ability to learn and grow through a process called brain plasticity. Just like your muscles, your brain needs regular training to maintain its strength.

As many as 3 out of 4 people with cancer report feeling mentally foggy. While chemotherapy was once thought to be the sole cause, we now know that cognitive changes can also be triggered by the cancer itself, infections, fatigue, and emotional stress.

Natural Techniques for Managing Chemo Brain

While you cannot control how your body reacts to treatment, you can use evidence-based memory techniques to help mitigate these side effects and manage daily tasks more effectively.

1. Use Images
The brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. When you visualise a task, it is stored as both a picture and a word, creating a double-encoding effect in your memory.

2. The Link Method
Ideal for short lists. Connect items together in your mind in memorable ways—imagine them smashing together or one balanced precariously on top of the other. Each link acts as a mental trigger for the next item.

3. The Story Method
Take the Link Method a step further by creating a funny or strange story that features each item on your list in the correct order. The more exciting the story, the easier it is for a foggy brain to recall.

4. The Journey Technique
An ancient method where you "place" items you need to remember along a familiar mental route (like your walk to the shops).
Example: Visualise coffee beans piled on your doormat, or a rabbit eating salad under your rose bush.

5. The Production Effect (Say It Out Loud)
Words read aloud are more distinctive to the brain than silent thoughts. This auditory anchor increases the likelihood of information being transferred to long-term memory.

6. Use Colours
The brain is better at recalling coloured images than black and white. Use highlighters and multi-coloured pens to colour-code your notes, making important tasks stand out visually.

Further Reading and Support

• Maggie's Centres: Understanding Chemo Brain
  Practical advice from UK-based cancer specialists on how to manage memory changes and improve focus during and after treatment.
• Penny Brohn UK: Navigating Cognitive Changes
  Explore holistic UK resources that focus on nutrition, mindfulness, and gentle brain training to help clear the mental fog.
• Comfort Crate: How to Reduce Cognitive Changes
  Our deep-dive guide into daily habits and environmental adjustments that make living with chemo brain more manageable.

About the Author: Lotte May is a stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She uses her background to research to provide patients with practical evidence-based tools for side effect management. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.