Brain fitness program gives hope to breast cancer survivors with “Chemobrain”

2008-08-17 05:23:01 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness)

Norfolk, Virginia (WiredPRNews.com) — Recent research has shown that the computer-based Posit Science Brain Fitness Program (TM) might enhance the mental function of patients suffering from cancer with symptoms including “chemobrain”, a state documented in more than 70% of breast cancer survivors after undergoing chemotherapy.

Chemobrain affects the quality of life of individuals in a depressing manner by harming concentration in addition to reducing the capability for making decisions. It further enhances depression and anxiety and generally restricts the aptitude to partake in daily errands like looking after children, household or working duties.

What makes all these symptoms more exasperating is that the hospital or medical communities do not have any specific and proven treatment for this. Approximately 19 survivors of breast cancer, all women who had undergone chemotherapy and claimed to have chemobrain, took part in the Posit Science Brain Fitness’s study. All of them used the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program (TM), a chain of specifically premeditated cognitive exercises, for almost one hour per day five days in a week, in all a total of forty hours.

The study results showed that about 94% of the partakers experienced optimistic alterations in their well-being and accounted statistically noteworthy enhancements in their stress levels, cognitive function and various health-associated eminence of life.

Sueann Mark, PhD, who also took part in the study said, “When I began the training, I couldn’t remember appointments, where I put things and I had trouble finding the right word.”

Dr. Mark further added that she began noticing alterations after just one or two weeks. “My attention span was getting longer. I could read through entire articles that a couple of weeks ago I could not get through. Knowing that I was exercising my mind and reactivating it was really comforting to me.”

In addition, Sarah Jane Kim, MA and lead researchers of the study said, “While further studies are needed, the implications for improved brain health in cancer patients look promising.”

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