[Hinews] Breast cancer patients concerned about cognitive side effects from chemotherapy, often referred to as "chemo brain," can find reassurance in a new study. Contrary to common fears, the research shows that breast cancer survivors have an 8% lower risk of developing dementia compared to the general population.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the findings challenge the notion that treatment-related memory lapses or attention difficulties signal long-term cognitive decline.

Breast cancer patients experience temporary cognitive decline during chemotherapy, but their long-term dementia risk is lower than that of the general population. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)
Breast cancer patients experience temporary cognitive decline during chemotherapy, but their long-term dementia risk is lower than that of the general population. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)


No Connection Between Chemo Brain and Dementia
The study, conducted by researchers from Samsung Medical Center, Soongsil University, and Seoul National University Hospital, followed nearly 70,000 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2016. They were compared with 180,000 individuals matched for age, sex, income, and chronic conditions over an average of 7.9 years.

Dementia incidence was slightly lower among breast cancer patients, at 2.45 cases per 1,000 person-years, compared to 2.63 cases in the control group. This protective effect persisted even after adjusting for confounding factors. The researchers suggest that chemotherapy drugs, such as taxanes or anthracyclines, may temporarily affect cognitive function but could also inhibit tau protein accumulation, a hallmark of dementia.

Photo: (From left) Dong Wook Shin, Professor at Samsung Medical Center; Kyungdo Han, Professor at Soongsil University; Soo Min Jung, Professor at Seoul National University Hospital (Provided by Samsung Medical Center)
Photo: (From left) Dong Wook Shin, Professor at Samsung Medical Center; Kyungdo Han, Professor at Soongsil University; Soo Min Jung, Professor at Seoul National University Hospital (Provided by Samsung Medical Center)


Radiation Therapy Linked to Greater Protection
Patients who received radiation therapy showed an even more pronounced benefit, with a 23% lower dementia risk. The team hypothesizes that low-dose radiation exposure to the brain may reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function, though the exact mechanism is still under investigation.

"Cognitive impairment during chemotherapy is usually temporary," said Dong Wook Shin, a professor at Samsung Medical Center. "Patients should focus on their treatment and managing complications rather than worrying about dementia."

Lifestyle and Chronic Conditions Pose Bigger Risks

The study highlights that lifestyle factors and comorbidities are far greater contributors to dementia risk than cancer treatment. Among breast cancer patients, smokers faced over twice the risk of dementia, those with diabetes had a 58% higher risk, and individuals with chronic kidney disease saw a threefold increase.

Soo Min Jung, a professor at Seoul National University Hospital, emphasized the study’s implications: "These findings confirm that cognitive changes during breast cancer treatment do not lead to dementia. We hope this gives patients confidence to pursue their treatment."

The research offers hope to breast cancer patients, dispelling fears about long-term cognitive decline and suggesting that survivors may even have a cognitive advantage over their peers.

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#BreastCancerResearch#SamsungMedicalCenter#DementiaRisk#케모브레인#인지저하
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