Living Well with Brain Cancer: Cognitive Strategies

While cognitive changes are common in brain cancer, there is little information and few services available to manage these unique challenges. The Sheri Sobrato Brain Cancer Survivorship Program within the UC San Francisco's Division of Neuro-Oncology envisions a future in which patients with brain cancer can easily access tools, support and information they need to manage their cognitive changes to continue to live a full and satisfying life. We recognize that pursuing and adopting strategies for cognitive wellness can foster greater empowerment and enhanced quality of life. 

The evidenced based strategies and tips outlined here are endorsed by our UCSF Neurocognitive Services experts as well as by individuals with brain cancer. This booklet was developed as part of a special collaboration between the UCSF Neurocognitive Services and the UCSF Patient Education Sheet Thriver Advisors (PESTAs). We are grateful to our amazing PESTAs for generously sharing their wisdom and this booklet would not have been possible without their dedication. 

This booklet offers both broad approaches to cognitive wellness and specific compensatory strategies for managing symptoms such as forgetfulness, distractibility, and more. Each section in this booklet is organized by ‘hot topics’ for managing cognitive symptoms in the context of brain cancer. The suggested tips and exercises can be done at your own pace, in your own time, and within your own abilities.