Researchers have documented cases in which the immune system essentially “takes over” the brain, causing serious cognitive and psychiatric disturbances, Associated Press reports.

This occurs in autoimmune encephalitis — a condition in which the immune system attacks the brain’s own cells. Patients may develop memory loss, psychosis, seizures, and sudden confusion — symptoms that appear abruptly and can easily be mistaken for psychiatric disorders.

One of the described patients was 72-year-old Christy Morrill, who suddenly stopped remembering key moments of his life, though his factual knowledge remained intact. Through blood tests and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, doctors identified antibodies targeting NMDA receptors in the brain — these antibodies trigger inflammation that disrupts normal neuron function.

Types of autoimmune encephalitis differ depending on the specific antibodies involved. Some target regions responsible for memory and emotions, while others affect sensory or motor areas of the brain.

Current treatment focuses on reducing inflammation: steroids, therapies that “clean” the blood of harmful antibodies, and infusions of healthy antibodies are all used.

Diagnosing the condition can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble psychiatric disorders. However, with early detection and treatment, partial or even full recovery is possible: some patients return to normal life, though others may continue to have memory gaps.

Scientists are continually identifying new antibodies linked to this disease. As a result, diagnostic accuracy is improving, and more targeted therapies are emerging — therapies that do not merely suppress inflammation but address the specific underlying “culpritс".