Does Lyme Disease affect your IQ?
If you've been dealing with Lyme disease, you might have noticed some unsettling changes in your thinking. Maybe words don't come as easily, or you find yourself forgetting why you walked into a room. Perhaps tasks that once felt simple now seem overwhelming. And then comes the question that lingers in the back of your mind: Is Lyme affecting my intelligence?
First off, let’s take a deep breath. You are not alone.
Many people struggling with Lyme disease report cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “Lyme brain.” But does that mean Lyme is lowering your IQ? Not necessarily.
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Lyme and cognitive function
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi, typically transmitted through tick bites. While the classic symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms, many people also experience neurological issues. These can range from brain fog and memory lapses to difficulty concentrating and processing information.
It’s important to note that these symptoms don’t mean your intelligence is declining. IQ is a measure of intellectual ability, which remains relatively stable throughout life. However, Lyme can make it harder to access your cognitive abilities, which can feel frustrating and discouraging.
The science behind “Lyme Brain”
Lyme disease can cause inflammation in the brain, which can lead to problems with cognitive processing. This inflammation can disrupt neural pathways, making it harder to focus, recall information, or think clearly. Some people describe it as feeling like their brain is operating in slow motion, or like they’re wading through mental fog.
Additionally, Lyme can impact sleep, mental health, and overall energy levels — all of which play a crucial role in cognitive function. When you’re exhausted or anxious, even the sharpest mind can struggle.
Will it get better?
The good news is that cognitive symptoms often improve with proper Lyme management. As your body fights the infection and the inflammation subsides, many people find their mental clarity returning. That said, recovery isn’t always linear. It’s okay to have good and bad days…getting back to health takes time.
If you’re struggling with cognitive symptoms, here are a few things that may help:
Follow your Protocol: our Lyme Laser Home Protocol™ has been designed for you and your symptoms. Following it to the letter is essential to recovery.
Support brain health: Stay hydrated, eat nutrient-dense foods, and get plenty of omega-3s. Our supplements partner, Lyfely, has an excellent range that can support neurological and cognitive wellness.
Prioritize rest: Your brain heals when you sleep, so make quality rest a priority.
Reduce stress: Practices like meditation, gentle exercise, and mindfulness can help calm an overactive nervous system.
Cognitive exercises: Brain games, reading, and even simple puzzles can help keep your mind engaged and strengthen cognitive function.
You are more than your symptoms
Lyme may be making it harder for your brain to function at its best right now, but that does not define you. Your intelligence, creativity, and unique strengths are still very much intact. If you're feeling frustrated or scared, please be kind to yourself. Recovery takes time, and your brain can bounce back.
If you’re experiencing severe cognitive difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek support, whether from us or the Lyme Laser™ community, we understand what you’re going through. You’re not alone in this journey, and there is hope.
Have you experienced cognitive struggles with Lyme? What has helped you? Let’s support each other. Comment below or contact us to book a free consultation.
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