A conference held Friday at Bryant University focused on the impact of Lyme disease on the brain.
This during a time when there's continued controversy over whether chronic Lyme disease even exists.
The idea is to provide the most up-to-date information to local mental health professionals regarding the complexities of the disease.
"Cognitive problems, cognitive symptoms are often among the presenting signs in children," said Judith Leventhal, Ph.D., a psychologist.
The problem is getting the diagnosis of Lyme disease. Current blood tests vary in accuracy, and some people go untreated or receive treatment months or years later. Medical doctors back that up.
The controversy lies in the existence of chronic Lyme disease.
Dr. Robert Bransfield, who's in private practice in New Jersey and the president of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society said there's no doubt in his mind.
"Chronic Lyme is recognized as a legitimate disease by many legitimate doctors, but there are other doctors who are legitimate who don't recognize it. It's one of many scientific controversies that exist. I think over time, the evidence is overwhelming. With time, there would be more acceptance. Just like in psychiatry, we used to explain everything with Sigmund Freud, now we have more of a biological basis. I would expect to see the same transition with chronic Lyme disease as people better understand the science," Bransfield said.
Rep. James Langevin was there to support the conference, too. He is a cosponsor of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act of 2011.
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