Is there such a thing as chronic Lyme disease? If so, how should it be treated?


While this is a hotly debated topic, it is becoming more and more clear that a chronic infectious state does exist. Scientific research continually supports the ability of Borrelia to persist in mammals despite short and long-term courses of antibiotics, and new studies are being published all the time. Doctors consistently see their patients improve with longer courses of antibiotics and/ or natural treatments. While specific treatment protocols can only be made after a comprehensive history and physical performed by a qualified healthcare professional, treatments should be continued 2 months past the time when the patient is symptom-free prior to being discontinued.


Borrelia has several mechanisms by which it evades detection


Taking Care With Cynthia Ebanks, R.N.


Providing, support, guidance and inspiration for families challenged by illness, injury and dementia.


Dementia Warning Signs The announcement that University of Tennessee women’s


basketball coach Pat Summitt has dementia surprised many because there have been no obvious warning signs in her public appearances that hinted at such a diagnosis. That is because most of us have a very stereotyped idea of the warning signs of dementia. In reality, the symptoms Summitt described that led up to her seeking help are just the warning signs that we should be looking for.


Early symptoms of dementia are often mistakable for


the type of simple lapses that we all make when under stress Dementia symptoms are uncharacteristic lapses and impact our ability to get through the day Dementia warning signs include repeating the same ques-


tions, memory loss that disrupts daily life, inability to follow simple commands, poor personal hygiene, disorientation about where you are or the time or date, mood swings, changes in personality, or being lost at familiar places. While dementia has no cure, the early treatment of dementia can improve quality of life immensely.


Listen to the messages and always act from a place of love and concern


by your immune system and can persist in the body. Two of the more talked about forms are the cystic form and biofilms. Both these forms require specific types of treatment and typically need to be addressed before a patient can get better. Given the complexity of Lyme disease and its co-infections, patients often seek care from a physician who specializes in the treatment of tick borne illnesses.


I have heard many horror stories about Lyme disease, is it possible to be cured?


Lyme disease can cause a tremendous amount of suffering, but there is hope. Many people have seen the Lyme documentary “Under Our Skin.” In this film there are several patients who are extremely disabled from Lyme disease. They were fortunate enough to find doctors who were compassionate, dedicated and willing to provide them with appropriate treatment against all odds. Several of the most ill patients featured are now perfectly fine. They came from a place of severe disability and handicap to leading normal lives once again. Their paths to health, like many who suffer from Lyme disease, were not easy, but they believed in the guidance of their doctors and in their own ability to heal. Some people heal from Lyme quickly, others may be extremely


ill for years. Lyme does not discriminate. It affects all people of all ages, but many different ways. Lyme disease is not always an easy diagnosis to make. My hope is that physicians, healthcare provid- ers and scientists will continue to work together to develop better diagnostic tests and treatment approaches. I also hope that each of you reading this article will share it with one of your friends. Public awareness through education is possibly the most critical step in decreasing the suffering caused by Lyme disease. Awareness will lead to earlier recognition of the symptoms of Lyme disease and earlier treatment. Great patient and physician education will lead to initiation of more effective treatments and more rapid, long lasting recoveries from this complex disease.


Assisted Living In The Home


As a registered nurse with specialized training in dementia and Alzheimer’s, Cynthia Ebanks founded and operates New England Nightingales.


Her value added service is dedicated to hleping families in the Farmington Valley area provide for loved ones in their home environment.


Call or click for more information, or to arrange for a free home assesment. 860-767-7786


www.newenglandnightingales.com 16 Natural Nutmeg May 2012


Tom Moorcroft, DO is an Osteopathic physician practicing at Origins Of Health in Glastonbury, CT. For more information please visit his website www.OriginsOfHealth.com. The documentary “Under Our Skin” is available for online viewing with www.hulu.com.


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