A study from the University of Rochester suggests that a simple combination of exercise and a common over-the-counter medication could help cancer patients cope with cognitive side effects from chemotherapy.

The research investigated how physical activity and low doses of ibuprofen might affect “chemo brain,” a condition formally known as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).

This condition can cause difficulties with memory, multitasking, and focus.

According to previous studies, up to 80% of chemotherapy patients experience some level of cognitive impairment during or after treatment.

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The new findings offer cautious optimism for improving mental clarity during cancer care.

The phase 2 trial included 86 adult patients in New York who were undergoing chemotherapy and reported cognitive difficulties.

The average participant age was 53, and nearly 89% were women, according to a release from the university.

Patients were assigned to one of four groups: one group completed a structured home exercise program, another combined exercise with ibuprofen, a third took ibuprofen alone, and a fourth took a placebo.

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The exercise plan featured low to moderate-intensity activities such as progressive walking and resistance band training, all tailored to cancer patients.

Researchers found that after six weeks, exercise was associated with the most notable improvements in attention and cognitive performance, based on both cognitive testing and feedback from friends and family.

Up to 80% of people who receive chemo experience some degree of cognitive impairment.

Those who combined exercise with a placebo also demonstrated improved attention compared with the placebo-only group, indicating that activity alone could influence mental sharpness.

Participants who took ibuprofen alone experienced some improvement in cognitive function compared with those who took only the placebo, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory benefit.

Lead author Michelle C. Janelsins, Ph.D., MPH, from the University of Rochester and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, said the trial was among the first to test these interventions together in cancer patients actively receiving treatment.

“We are encouraged by the findings of this trial that suggest possible benefits of both interventions for some cognitive domains,” Janelsins said.

She added that exercise appeared to have the strongest and most consistent effects.

No adverse side effects were reported in any of the groups during the trial. The results were published in *Cancer*, the journal of the American Cancer Society.

Researchers noted limitations, including the small sample size, short duration, and the heavily female demographic, which may make broad conclusions difficult. Effects also varied across different cognitive functions.

The study authors plan larger phase 3 trials to confirm their results and explore whether adjusting dosage or duration could enhance cognitive benefits.

“Since we saw cognitive benefits in some domains and not others, we will also consider additional doses and longer durations in future research trials,” Janelsins said.

The investigators emphasized that patients should talk with their oncology teams before starting ibuprofen or exercise programs during chemotherapy, since other medical conditions or treatments could lead to complications.