Brain Stimulation + Cognitive Training for Lyme Disease

This trial explores a new method to assist individuals with brain fog and slow thinking caused by Lyme disease, even after antibiotic treatment. It combines mild electrical brain stimulation using a headband (known as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS) with engaging computer-based brain games. The goal is to determine if this combination can enhance thinking speed and if the effects persist over time. Individuals who have experienced Lyme disease and continue to struggle with mental clarity, impacting their daily lives, might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental clarity for those affected by Lyme disease.

Participants must stop taking antibiotics for tick-borne diseases at least 4 weeks before the study and during the 12-week study period. They should not start new medications that might affect the treatment outcome unless medically necessary, and they must inform the study staff of any medication changes. Some medications, like opiates and dissociative drugs, are not allowed, but stable doses of benzodiazepines and non-narcotic pain medications are permitted.

Studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe and well-tolerated. This non-invasive treatment does not involve surgery or entering the body. It uses a weak electrical current applied to the scalp. Research indicates that most people experience only mild side effects, such as tingling or itching on the skin where the electrodes are placed. Serious side effects are rare.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a novel combination of brain stimulation and cognitive training for Lyme disease. Unlike standard treatments like antibiotics, which target the bacterial cause of Lyme disease, this approach focuses on enhancing cognitive function through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). This method uses a user-friendly device to deliver a gentle electrical current to the brain, potentially improving processing speed. The study also incorporates BrainHQ, a computer-based cognitive training program, which has shown promise in other settings. This trial could open up new avenues for addressing the cognitive symptoms of Lyme disease, offering a non-invasive and home-based treatment option.

This trial will compare the effects of cognitive training combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to cognitive training with sham tDCS. Research has shown that tDCS can enhance thinking skills by applying a gentle electrical current to the scalp, boosting brain activity. Studies have found that tDCS, particularly when paired with brain training programs like BrainHQ, can increase information processing speed. BrainHQ exercises are recognized for enhancing mental performance, including thinking speed. Although specific data for Lyme disease patients is limited, early results in similar cases are encouraging.¹²⁵⁶⁷