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Reclaiming Vitality: Stem Cells for Lyme & Sjogren’s Brain Fog

Written by Dr. David Greene, MD, PhD, MBA on June 1, 2026

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Living with autoimmune or tick-borne illness rarely means managing just one condition. For Lori, it meant three — Sjögren’s syndrome, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, all diagnosed simultaneously in January 2015. The result was extreme, debilitating fatigue and cognitive fog that conventional treatment couldn’t fully resolve.

After several years, she received an IV stem cell infusion through R3 Stem Cell’s Dr. David Greene. The fatigue lifted. The brain fog cleared. And years later, those improvements have held.

This article examines the science behind her experience — what these conditions involve, how IV stem cell therapy may help, and what current evidence says.

Understanding the Three Conditions

Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, particularly those responsible for saliva and tears. According to the Sjögren’s Foundation, it affects an estimated 4 million Americans, the majority of them women. Beyond dry eyes and dry mouth, systemic Sjögren’s can cause profound fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties — sometimes called “Sjögren’s fog.”

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily through tick bites. While early-stage Lyme responds well to antibiotics, a subset of patients develop Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), characterized by ongoing fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neurological symptoms that can persist for months or years. The CDC acknowledges this syndrome and notes that its underlying cause is not yet fully understood.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a serious tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. It can damage blood vessels and, in severe or poorly treated cases, lead to lasting neurological effects, including cognitive impairment and fatigue. Even after successful antibiotic treatment, some patients report persistent symptoms.

When all three of these conditions are present together, the cumulative burden on the immune system and neurological function can be substantial.

How IV Stem Cell Therapy May Help

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The type of stem cell therapy most commonly used in IV protocols for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions is mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy — often sourced from umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s jelly) or amniotic tissue. These cells are well-studied for their immunomodulatory properties: rather than replacing damaged tissue directly, they appear to influence the immune environment by releasing signaling molecules that reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.

A 2019 review published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy noted that MSCs can suppress overactive immune responses through multiple mechanisms, including reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting regulatory T-cell activity — both of which are relevant in autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.

Addressing Fatigue and Brain Fog

Chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment in autoimmune and tick-borne diseases are often driven by persistent, low-level neuroinflammation. MSC therapy has been studied in several neuroinflammatory contexts, with researchers hypothesizing that the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective signaling from these cells may help restore normal neurological function.

It is worth noting that while Lori’s experience — a single IV infusion yielding lasting benefit — is encouraging, the scientific literature in this specific area is still developing. Most published studies involve small sample sizes, and large-scale randomized controlled trials for Lyme disease or Sjögren’s syndrome are limited. Evidence should be considered promising but preliminary.

What to Expect From an IV Stem Cell Infusion

IV delivery of stem cells is considered a systemic approach: rather than injecting cells directly into a specific joint or tissue, the infusion allows cells to circulate throughout the body. Clinically, this makes IV therapy a logical route for conditions with widespread immune or systemic involvement.

At R3 Stem Cell, IV stem cell therapy is offered as part of a broader regenerative medicine program. Patients typically receive a consultation to assess whether they are appropriate candidates, followed by the infusion itself — which is generally performed in an outpatient setting. Learn more about what to expect from stem cell therapy and how stem cell therapy works.

For those with autoimmune conditions specifically, R3’s information on autoimmune disease and stem cell therapy offers a useful overview of how the immune system interacts with regenerative biologics.

Is This Approach Right for You?

Stem cell therapy is not a guaranteed cure for any of the conditions described here, and it is not currently approved by the FDA as a treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. What it represents is a legitimate area of clinical investigation with a plausible biological rationale and a growing base of supportive — though not yet definitive — evidence.

Patients who may be candidates for IV stem cell therapy typically include those who:

Have persistent symptoms despite standard treatment

Have been medically evaluated and cleared for infusion therapy

Are seeking options beyond conventional symptom management

Understand that outcomes can vary and you are working with a qualified provider

R3 Stem Cell offers free consultations to help patients understand whether regenerative therapy may be appropriate for their individual situation. Those considering treatment internationally may also explore R3 Stem Cell International options.

Final Thoughts

Lori’s story is not a clinical trial — but it reflects something real: the possibility that IV stem cell therapy can meaningfully reduce the immune and neurological burden carried by patients managing complex, overlapping conditions. For those who have exhausted conventional options and continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, and systemic inflammation, regenerative medicine offers a scientifically grounded path worth exploring — with appropriate guidance and realistic expectations.

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