đź“… Tuesday, July 28, 2026
⏰ 11AM PT / 12PM MT / 1PM CT / 2PM ET
📍 Virtual — Join from anywhere!
When “chemo brain” or cancer-related cognitive impairment sets in, it can feel like your brain is operating in a different gear. This isn’t just about feeling tired; it’s about tangible changes in executive function, memory, and processing speed that can impact your ability to work, study, and navigate daily life.
In this medical-focused “Ask the Expert” session, we are diving into the science of cognitive impact. We will move beyond the emotional side of survivorship to look at why these changes happen and, more importantly, the evidence-based strategies used to help the brain adapt and recover. This session provides a clinical look at cognitive health and a roadmap for improvement.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Science of “Chemo Brain”: An overview of why treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can impact cognitive function and white matter connectivity.
- Executive Function & Focus: Understanding the mechanics of how cancer affects attention span, multitasking, and “mental fatigue.”
- Evidence-Based Strategies: A look at cognitive rehabilitation techniques and lifestyle interventions shown to improve mental clarity.
- Tracking and Tools: How to objectively monitor your cognitive health and when to seek a formal neuropsychological evaluation.
About Our Speaker:
Dr. Sarah Braun is a clinical neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Division of Neuro-Oncology. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology at VCU, her clinical residency in neuropsychology at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and a neuropsychological fellowship at VCU, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, with a specialization in the neuropsychology of brain tumors. Her research aims to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mild neurocognitive disorder in cancer patients. She is particularly interested in the development and investigation of behavioral interventions (e.g., mindfulness, neuropsychological rehabilitation) to improve neurocognitive and health outcomes in brain tumor patients.