Study Finds Exercise and Ibuprofen May Mitigate Cognitive Impairment in Chemotherapy Patients
A recent Phase II clinical trial has revealed that exercise and low-dose ibuprofen may help alleviate cognitive impairments often experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, commonly referred to as 'chemo brain.' This condition affects up to 80% of chemotherapy patients, leading to issues such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating. The study, published in the journal CANCER, involved 86 participants who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: exercise plus ibuprofen, exercise plus placebo, ibuprofen only, and placebo only. The exercise regimen, known as EXCAP, included low-to-moderate intensity walking and resistance exercises. Results showed that participants in the exercise plus placebo group exhibited significant improvements in attention compared to the placebo group. Those who took ibuprofen also showed some cognitive benefits, although the results were less consistent. The study suggests that exercise may play a crucial role in preserving cognitive function during chemothe...