Is chemo brain real?

Yes. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) describes memory or concentration problems—sometimes described as a mental fog or chemo brain—as a side effect that can come with cancer treatment.

According to NCI, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy may cause difficulty with thinking, concentrating, or remembering things. So can some types of radiation therapy to the brain and immunotherapy.

Whether you have these problems depends on the type of treatment you receive, your age, and other health-related factors. They may start during or after treatment, and they don't affect everyone the same way. Some people notice very small changes, such as a bit more difficulty remembering things, while others have much greater memory or concentration problems.

Because chemo brain is a recognized issue, it's worth bringing up. NCI says it's important for you or a family member to tell your health care team if you have difficulty remembering things, thinking, or concentrating. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and advise you about ways to manage or treat these problems.