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Lyme encephalopathy: a neuropsychological perspective
1Tufts University, Department of Neurology, USA.
Seminars in Neurology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Late stage Lyme disease often causes mild chronic encephalopathy, with patients reporting memory loss and fatigue. Objective memory decline was linked to abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but subjective memory issues may stem from depression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Mild chronic encephalopathy is a common neurologic symptom in late-stage Lyme disease.
- Patients often present with diffuse, nonspecific symptoms including memory loss, fatigue, and depression.
- Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is often considered indicative of a neurological basis for illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive function and symptom reporting in Lyme disease patients with and without abnormal CSF.
- To investigate the relationship between objective memory performance, subjective memory complaints, and psychological factors.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of memory test scores between Lyme disease patients (with and without abnormal CSF) and healthy controls.
- Assessment of self-reported symptoms including memory loss, depression, and fatigue.
Main Results:
- Lyme disease patients with abnormal CSF demonstrated lower memory test scores compared to controls.
- Most Lyme disease patients, regardless of CSF status, reported memory loss, depression, and fatigue.
- Depressive symptoms did not correlate with objective memory performance but may influence perceived memory loss.
Conclusions:
- Objective memory deficits in Lyme disease are associated with abnormal CSF findings.
- Subjective memory complaints in Lyme disease may be influenced by depressive symptoms and psychological factors.
- Chronic illness and past infection may contribute to cognitive dysfunction perception in Lyme disease patients.