Neuropsychologist Designs Unique Rehab Program for Lyme Disease Patients

Headaches, aching joints, fever and nausea - these are among the most common symptoms of Lyme Disease. But many people with the tick-borne infection suffer from significant cognitive impairments as well, even after its painful physical effects subside. Leo J. Shea III, PhD, a neuropsychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Rusk Institute, is helping patients overcome these deficits through retraining and remediation.

Dr. Shea bases his approach on a dynamic understanding of the brain. He compares its processes and mechanisms to "tentacles that reach out and try to overcome the areas that are damaged."

Lyme Disease typically affects attention and memory, functions that may impede performance at school or at work. Early signs of Lyme-related cognitive impairment are forgetfulness, fogginess, an inability to distinguish left from right, and difficulty staying focused.

A patient's first step, according to Dr. Shea, should be to consult a neuropsychologist who understands Lyme. Subsequently, they can be tested to identify and clarify the nature of the problem. The test results will help the professional develop a therapeutic plan, tailored to individual needs. With remediation, patients can count on making slow but certain progress over time.

Note: The 14th International Scientific Conference on Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Diseases is being held April 21-23 in Farmington, CT (near Hartford). Dr. Shea will be presenting a paper on the "Benefits of Cognitive Remediation with Lyme Disease Patients."