For people with Lyme disease that have memory recall issues, word finding problems, and trouble remembering faces
by Greg Lee
Have you ever seen icicles hanging down from the roof? Ice in the gutter blocks water from draining out the downspout. As more water spills over the gutter, it freezes in icicles off the roof. These grow bigger and bigger as sunlight on the roof melts more ice into water which refreezes on the icicles.
How are frozen icicles similar to a Lyme disease infection that prevents memory recall?
Just like water that freezes in a gutter and produces icicles, Lyme bacteria can flood into the brain and freeze memory recall ability
In human and animal studies, Lyme disease have been found to infect the brain and block the ability to access memories. Cognitive impairment with memory and concentration disorders is one of the most frequently cited psychiatric disorders in a twenty year survey of Lyme disease literature[1]. Lyme neuroborreliosis patients scored lower on processing speed, visual and verbal memory, and executive/attention functions, as compared to matched controls[2]. In another study, Lyme neuroborreliosis episodes decrease working memory in children[3]. In a mouse study, exposure to outer surface protein C (OspC) from Lyme leads to axon nerve damage in the brain[4]. In Alzheimer studies, nerve damage is the leading cause of memory impairment[5]. Elevated levels of Interferon-alpha (INF-α) have been detected in Lyme patients with persistent memory impairment[6]. Antibiotics have been able to produce some relief for patients with memory issues.
Intravenous antibiotics have been shown to produce improvements in memory recall issues
Patients given IV ceftriaxone had a greater improvement in their memory issues at the end of three months but unfortunately lost their gains during an antibiotic-free interval of an additional three months out[7]. In another study of eighteen patients given IV ceftriaxone for Lyme encephalopathy, seven reported a complete recovery of their memory issues and eight reported great improvement[8]. Unfortunately, many patients with Lyme disease do not have access to medical practitioners that are willing to prescribe IV antibiotics.
What else besides antibiotics can help with treating Lyme induced memory impairment?
Here are four strategies for reducing Lyme disease induced memory impairment
Fortunately, there are liposomal herbs that can help reduce memory impairing inflammatory compounds and help with repairing damaged brain cells. There are also treatments that help to reduce inflammation in the nervous system and revitalize areas of the brain associated with memory.
Memory restoring strategy #1: Liposomal herbal compounds for reducing INF-α
In lab and animal studies, a few anti-inflammatory compounds found in Chinese and South American herbs have inhibited INF-α. Giving these herbs in liposomal remedy provides a more effective delivery method into the brain[9]. These compounds include: A polysaccharide found in Salvia root, Chinese name: Dan Shen inhibits INF-α in mice[10]. Extracts containing baicalein and wogonin derived from Scutellaria, Chinese name: Huang Qin inhibits INF-α in one lab study[11]. Alkaloidal fractions found in Uncaria Tormentosa, Cats Claw inhibited INF-α in another lab study[12]. INF-α helps with protecting against viral infections, so this approach is cautioned in patients with elevated viral infections. In addition to reducing INF-α, other herbal compounds have been shown to help with repairing nerve damage caused by excess inflammation.
Memory restoring strategy #2: Liposomal herbal compounds for repairing damaged neurons
In lab and animal studies, these herbs and herbal compounds accelerated the regeneration of damaged nerve tissues. Delivering these in a liposomal mixture increases effective delivery into the central nervous system. Reishi mushroom spores, Chinese name Ling Zhi, increased the growth of normal hippocampal neurons in a lab study.[13] Flavonoid compounds from Epimedium, Chinese name: Yin Yang Huo, increased neural stem cells in one rat study[14]. A compound called matrine found in Sophora root, Chinese name: Ku Shen, significantly reduced CNS inflammatory demyelination, and axonal damage in a rat study[15]. Ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica, Chinese name: Ji Xue Cao, containing asiatic acid and other compounds grew axons at a faster rate than control rats[16]. A compound called bajijiasu found in Mordina officinalis, Chinese name: Bai Ji Tian, prevented oxygen-deprivation brain damage and death, reversed amyloid-beta (Aβ) induced learning and memory dysfunction, enhanced energy metabolism and neurotransmitter levels in rats[17]. In a mouse study, a traditional Chinese herbal formula called “Tonify Yang to Restore Five-Tenths Decoction” used for treating stroke symptoms promoted neuronal growth in damaged neurons[18]. The herbs in this formula are astragalus root, Chinese name: Huang Qi, angelica root, Chinese name: Dang Gui, red peony root, Chinese name: Chi Shao, ligusticum root, Chinese name: Chuan Xiong, safflower, Chinese name: Hong Hua, peach kernel, Chinese name: Tao Ren, and red wiggler or red marsh earthworms, Chinese name: Di Long. Along with herbs, low level electrical frequencies can also target inflammation and enhance repair of damaged nerve cells.
Memory restoring strategy #3: Anti-inflammatory and revitalizing microcurrent frequencies for targeting memory centers of the brain
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses pairs of extremely minute electrical frequencies which can be configured to improve memory[19]. The frequency pairs are divided into an “A” frequency and a “B” frequency. The “A” frequency is for producing a healing effect like: reducing inflammation (14, 284), increasing vitality (49, 91), repairing damage (58) or neutralizing toxins (12, 57, 900, 920). The “B” frequency is used to direct healing into a specific area like: nerves (10, 396), the nerve sheath (475), and structures of the brain associated with memory recall. Specific brain structures that are associated with memory are the prefrontal cortex for short-term memory associated with task completion[20] (983), frontal lobe (90), Broca’s area for verbal memory (90), Wernicke’s area for language recall and auditory memory[21] (90), central processor[22] (90), hippocampus for migrating short-term memory to long-term memory (90), visual area for visual memory (84), and Basal ganglia for retrieving procedural memory (988)[23]. In addition to frequencies, cupping and bloodletting on the head helps with reducing symptoms of brain inflammation.
Memory restoring strategy #4: Cupping and bloodletting on the head to pull out CNS inflammation
Suction cups are placed on the forehead, scalp and neck where there is no hair. The intention of the suction is to draw toxins and inflammation out of the head to the surface. After a few minutes, the cups are removed and the skin is often dark red to purplish in color. Needles are inserted into the area where the cups were located and quickly removed to create holes where blood can be drawn out. The cups are placed back on their original locations. Blood oozes out of the holes and collects into the cups. Often the blood is very thick and coagulates into a jelly-like blob. Analysis of extracted cupping blood has found elevated toxins[24] and inflammatory compounds[25]. Cups placed on the occiput have a significant impact on clearing brain fog and improving memory recall. Multiple treatments and remedies can help your nervous system to improve your memory recall ability.
Liposomal remedies and treatments can help to reduce symptoms of memory impairment due to Lyme disease
Just like clearing out the ice that is blocking a gutter, a combination of liposomal anti-inflammatory and neurological repairing remedies, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, cupping and bloodletting can help to reverse the symptoms of memory impairment from Lyme disease. Since some of these remedies and treatments require specialized training, work with a Lyme literate Chinese medicine practitioner to develop a proper, safe, and effective strategy for your condition.
– Greg
>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday March 2nd at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for restoring memory loss from Lyme disease, Bartonella, toxoplasmosis, drug resistant arthritis, managing weight issues caused by toxins, reducing brain overwhelm, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, brucellosis, Babesia, mold, parasites, abnormal fatigue, and pain. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme
[1] Sno HN. [Signs and significance of a tick-bite: psychiatric disorders associated with Lyme disease]. [Article in Dutch] Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2012;54(3):235-43. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22422416
[2] Eikeland R, Ljøstad U, Mygland A, Herlofson K, Løhaugen GC. European neuroborreliosis: neuropsychological findings 30 months post-treatment. Eur J Neurol. 2012 Mar;19(3):480-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03563.x. Epub 2011 Oct 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21999112
[3] Zotter S, Koch J, Schlachter K, Katzensteiner S, Dorninger L, Brunner J, Baumann M, Wolf-Magele A, Schmid H, Ulmer H, Hagspiel S, Rostasy K. Neuropsychological profile of children after an episode of neuroborreliosis. Neuropediatrics. 2013 Dec;44(6):346-53. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1349724. Epub 2013 Aug 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23921969
[4] Tauber SC, Ribes S, Ebert S, Heinz T, Fingerle V, Bunkowski S, Kugelstadt D, Spreer A, Jahn O, Eiffert H, Nau R. Long-term intrathecal infusion of outer surface protein C from Borrelia burgdorferi causes axonal damage. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2011 Sep;70(9):748-57. doi: 10.1097/NEN.0b013e3182289acd. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21865883
[5] Marlatt MW, Lucassen PJ. Neurogenesis and Alzheimer’s disease: Biology and pathophysiology in mice and men. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2010 Mar;7(2):113-25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19860727
[6] Jacek E, Fallon BA, Chandra A, Crow MK, Wormser GP, Alaedini A. Increased IFNα activity and differential antibody response in patients with a history of Lyme disease and persistent cognitive deficits. J Neuroimmunol. 2013 Feb 15;255(1-2):85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.10.011. Epub 2012 Nov 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3557545/
[7] Fallon BA, Keilp JG, Corbera KM, Petkova E, Britton CB, Dwyer E, Slavov I, Cheng J, Dobkin J, Nelson DR, Sackeim HA. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of repeated IV antibiotic therapy for Lyme encephalopathy. Neurology. 2008 Mar 25;70(13):992-1003. Epub 2007 Oct 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17928580
[8] Logigian EL, Kaplan RF, Steere AC. Successful treatment of Lyme encephalopathy with intravenous ceftriaxone. J Infect Dis. 1999 Aug;180(2):377-83. https://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/180/2/377.full
[9] Balducci C, Mancini S, Minniti S, La Vitola P, Zotti M, Sancini G, Mauri M, Cagnotto A, Colombo L, Fiordaliso F, Grigoli E, Salmona M, Snellman A, Haaparanta-Solin M, Forloni G, Masserini M, Re F. Multifunctional liposomes reduce brain β-amyloid burden and ameliorate memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. J Neurosci. 2014 Oct 15;34(42):14022-31. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0284-14.2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25319699
[10] Zhang XD, Xu DZ, Li JH, Wang T, Ge FH, Yang L. [Study on the immunocompetence of polysaccharide extracted from root of Salvia miltiorrhiza]. [Article in Chinese] Zhong Yao Cai. 2012 Jun;35(6):949-52. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23236833
[11] Błach-Olszewska Z, Jatczak B, Rak A, Lorenc M, Gulanowski B, Drobna A, Lamer-Zarawska E. Production of cytokines and stimulation of resistance to viral infection in human leukocytes by Scutellaria baicalensis flavones. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2008 Sep;28(9):571-81. doi: 10.1089/jir.2008.0125. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18771341
[12] Reis SR, Valente LM, Sampaio AL, Siani AC, Gandini M, Azeredo EL, D’Avila LA, Mazzei JL, Henriques Md, Kubelka CF. Immunomodulating and antiviral activities of Uncaria tomentosa on human monocytes infected with Dengue Virus-2. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Mar;8(3):468-76. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.11.010. Epub 2007 Dec 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279801
[13] Wang SQ, Li XJ, Zhou S, Sun DX, Wang H, Cheng PF, Ma XR, Liu L, Liu JX, Wang FF, Liang YF, Wu JM. Intervention effects of ganoderma lucidum spores on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons and expression of neurotrophin-4 and N-cadherin. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 24;8(4):e61687. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061687. Print 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3634853/
[14] Yao R, Zhang L, Li X, Li L. Effects of Epimedium flavonoids on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro. Neurol Res. 2010 Sep;32(7):736-42. doi: 10.1179/174313209X459183. Epub 2009 Aug 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703337
[15] Kan QC, Lv P, Zhang XJ, Xu YM, Zhang GX, Zhu L. Matrine protects neuro-axon from CNS inflammation-induced injury. Exp Mol Pathol. 2015 Jan 7;98(1):124-130. doi: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.01.001. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25576296
[16] Soumyanath A, Zhong YP, Gold SA, Yu X, Koop DR, Bourdette D, Gold BG. Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;57(9):1221-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16105244
[17] Chen DL, Zhang P, Lin L, Zhang HM, Deng SD, Wu ZQ, Ou S, Liu SH, Wang JY. Protective effects of bajijiasu in a rat model of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced neurotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 May 28;154(1):206-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.04.004. Epub 2014 Apr 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24742752
[18] Mu Q, Liu P, Hu X, Gao H, Zheng X, Huang H. Neuroprotective effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal damage. Neural Regen Res. 2014 Sep 1;9(17):1621-7. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.141791. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25368650
[19] McMakin C. Frequency Specific Microcurrent in Pain Management. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier; 2011.
[20] Courtney SM, Petit L, Haxby JV, Ungerleider LG. The role of prefrontal cortex in working memory: examining the contents of consciousness. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1998 Nov 29;353(1377):1819-28. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1692423/
[21] The Brain From the Top. https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_10/d_10_cr/d_10_cr_lan/d_10_cr_lan.html
[22] The Brain From Top to Bottom. https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_07/i_07_cr/i_07_cr_tra/i_07_cr_tra.html
[23] Neuroanatomy of memory. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroanatomy_of_memory
[24] Schockert T. [Observations on cupping. High toxin concentration in blood from cupping]. MMW Fortschr Med. 2009 Jun 4;151(23):20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19591347
[25] Liu CZ, Lei B, Zheng JF. [Randomized control study on the treatment of 26 cases of acne conglobata with encircling acupuncture combined with venesection and cupping]. [Article in Chinese] Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2008 Dec;33(6):406-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19288903
Image courtesy of tracy from north brookfield,Massachusetts, usa. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Icicles_roof.jpg