Pathobiome Perspectives is an interview series exploring the role of infections in chronic neurological and psychiatric conditions—including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lyme disease, and long COVID. Recorded live by patient advocate Ali Moresco, the series is produced in collaboration with LymeDisease.org and the Tick Boot Camp podcast. In this episode, Ali speaks with Yuri Kim, RN, lead research nurse for MIT’s MAESTRO study.

By Ali Moresco

For countless individuals living with chronic Lyme disease and long COVID, brain fog isn’t just a fleeting symptom–it’s a daily reality that can disrupt memory, focus, and even identity. Yet despite its prevalence, this debilitating cognitive dysfunction remains poorly understood and difficult to quantify.

Enter the MAESTRO Study, an ambitious research initiative out of MIT with TAL Research Group, where scientists are working to uncover the biological underpinnings of brain fog and identify measurable biomarkers beyond clinical descriptions.

At the forefront of this effort is Yuri Kim, RN, the study’s lead research nurse, who joins Pathobiome Perspectives to discuss how her team is combining neuroscience, technology, and patient insight to redefine how cognitive symptoms in chronic illness are diagnosed and treated.

In this powerful conversation, Kim explains:

• What the MAESTRO Study is uncovering about brain fog in long COVID and chronic Lyme
• How immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation affect brain health
• The role of blood-brain barrier and gut changes
• Tracking tools—like EEG and eye-tracking—that could make “invisible” symptoms measurable
• Why listening to patient stories remains one of the most powerful diagnostic tools

Their goal: to move beyond labels and toward a future where brain fog can be seen, measured, and treated.

Watch this interview on YouTube below, or listen to it on the Tick Boot Camp podcast.

Pathobiome Perspectives was developed in collaboration with the Pathobiome Research Center at PCOM, led by Founding Director Nikki Schultek, and Director Dr. Brian Balin and the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA).

New episodes of Pathobiome Perspectives will roll out every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Central.

Ali Moresco is a tick-borne disease survivor, advocate, speaker and founder of Moresco PR, a healthcare communications firm. She also serves as Executive Board Chair of Project Lyme. You can connect with Ali on Instagram at @AliTMoresco or on YouTube.