Is Brain Fog Contagious?

Immunity & Infection

Mental fog can have a lot of causes, but one of the more surprising and distressing culprits is Lyme disease. Yes, the bite of an infected tick can lead not just to flu-like symptoms and fatigue, but also to grasping for words, forgetting directions moments after hearing them and a general sense of mental slowness.

Lyme is just one example of how protecting your brain is tied to bolstering your body’s immunity. This natural defense system is designed to fight off outside invaders like bacteria (the cause of Lyme), viruses and parasites. It also helps you tolerate allergenic triggers like pollen, peanuts and bee stings, as well as internal attacks from autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treating infections and autoimmune disorders is an important and often overlooked path to a clearer, sharper memory. When you support your immune system, your reward is also better health and well-being and less fatigue.

Immunity and infection issues are addressed together in the Amen Clinics’ new BRIGHT MINDS Program, which identifies and treats the 11 risk factors that can rob you of your memory and cloud your mind. This breakthrough, science-backed program is the most effective way to better your brain, reverse forgetfulness and keep Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at bay.

The 11 risks are all contained in the words BRIGHT MINDS so you can recall them easily:

B – Blood Flow

R – Retirement/Aging

I – Inflammation

G – Genetics

H – Head Trauma

T – Toxins


M – Mental Health

I – Immunity/Infection Issues

N – Neurohormone Deficiencies

D – Diabesity

S – Sleep Issues

If your memory is foggy and you suspect an infection or immune system problem, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and ask about these tests:

  • Blood test for Vitamin D levels
  • Screening for common infections, including Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease spirochete), HIV/AIDS, Helicobacter pylori, herpes simples 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus
  • SPECT scan, if available

Take action to shore up your immune system with these simple steps:

Try an elimination diet for a month. This will tell you if you have food allergies, which could be harming your immune system:

  • Avoid hiking where you could pick up a deer tick and be bitten—especially in Lyme endemic areas
  • Limit alcohol to no more than two servings a week; alcohol upsets your gut microbiome, which is critical to healthy immunity
  • Watch comedies or attend a comedy club—laughter boosts immunity
  • Take a good multivitamin/mineral, vitamin D (to optimize your level), magnesium and an omega-3 EPA/DHA supplement daily
  • Consider supplementing with vitamin C (up to 2,000 mg daily), aged garlic, therapeutic mushrooms, melatonin, zinc
  • Eat more: raw, crushed garlic, onions, and shallots; fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna); eggs; mushrooms; beef liver; cod liver oil; oysters; beef; lamb; spinach; asparagus; sesame and pumpkin seeds
  • Avoid: sugar, sodas, processed foods, foods high in omega-6 fatty acids

In the video below, Dr. Daniel Amen discusses immunity and infections and the role they play in rescuing your memory today!

To learn more about Amen Clinics Memory Program based on Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach, check it out HERE.

3 Comments »

  1. If you have had a tick bite and have any Lyme symptoms you need to seriously consider LYME-N treatment.

    Comment by Murray Duffin — November 11, 2017 @ 7:08 AM

  2. I have late stage Lyme disease and some significant symptoms, the most debilitating: brain fog, extreme fatigue, insomnia, depression, ST memory are the most debilitating. It’s been difficult holding jobs and I feel like I’ve lost quality of life, executive functioning, and most disturbing, myself. I use to be a fully functioning multitasker. I don’t know where she went but I want her back. I’ve spent thousands of dollars in myriad treatments. Any help, suggestions would be more than appreciated. Improved cognitive functioning and relief from depression and sleep is on the top of my list!

    Comment by Dianne DeCarolis — April 26, 2018 @ 9:14 PM

  3. Dianne,
    I’ve found help from suggestions in a book “Medical Medium” and “Life Changing Foods” by Anthony William. I reluctantly (he’s a medium and non medically trained) got the books from the library. Ended up buying copies because of initial improvements with a few suggestions implemented. I’m 8 mo into decreasing viral overload and heavy metal toxicity through food choices and supplements and 50% better. Contact me (alternativesfothealth@gmail.com) if you want support. I juice celery a few times/week and eat a lot of wild blueberries and bananas as well as other fruits and vegetables. Spirulina, cat’s claw herb plus other supplements are helping much. I also use some essential oils. Liver cleansing is important for my progress.

    Comment by Peggy Mathews — July 7, 2018 @ 5:21 PM

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