A rare brain disorder caused this man to forget decades, but he’s finding ways to cope
When Christy Morrill’s immune system turned against his own brain, his life changed in ways he never expected. Doctors diagnosed him with autoimmune encephalitis, a condition in which the body’s antibodies mistakenly attack brain cells.
He recalls a bike ride with friends — then upon returning, he couldn’t remember where he had been. Weeks later, his memory became fragmented, his mind clouded by confusion, delusions, and seizures.
What Is Autoimmune Encephalitis?
- It’s a rare but serious disorder where antibodies attack parts of the brain, causing inflammation.
- Symptoms vary: memory loss, seizures, changes in personality, psychosis.
- It can be difficult to diagnose because its signs often mimic psychiatric or other neurological disorders.
How Christy Is Coping
- Treatment involves calming the immune attack using steroids and other therapies.
- Even though he lost decades of personal memories, he can still remember facts and general knowledge.
- He uses haiku poetry to express his feelings and reflections on his condition.
- He now helps lead a support group for others with autoimmune encephalitis, finding purpose in community and shared stories.
A Broader Perspective
Doctors have identified dozens of different antibodies that can cause this condition.
- One form, LGI1-antibody encephalitis, is more common in men over 50 — like Christy.
- With early diagnosis and treatment, many patients recover significant function, though some memory loss may be permanent.
Coping With Memory Loss
Christy’s journey highlights:
- The fragility of memory and how easily it can be disrupted by disease.
- The importance of early diagnosis, especially since these kinds of encephalitis are treatable if caught quickly.
- The resilience of people who rebuild their lives, even when their past is lost.
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