Monthly Archives: August 2025

Echoes of Emotion: How Musical Experience Influences Memory

Listening to music while engaging in an activity often makes the experience more enjoyable. Yet new research from UCLA neuroscientists suggests that listening to music after an event may hold even greater power: it can strengthen memory, provided the emotional response to the music reaches an optimal level. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience, highlight the delicate balance between music, emotion, and memory.

Lead author Stephanie Leal, a professor of integrative biology and physiology at UCLA, explained that the type of music mattered far less than the emotional response it evoked. Whether the music was happy or sad, familiar or unfamiliar, these qualities were secondary to the listener’s own internal state. “There was an optimal level of emotional response that aided in remembering the details of an experience,” she said. “Too much or too little emotional response had the opposite effect—people recalled fewer details, though they often remembered the general gist of the experience more clearly.”

The researchers designed their study to explore this phenomenon in a controlled setting. Volunteers were first shown about one hundred everyday objects—items such as laptops, oranges, and telephones. After this visual session, they listened to ten minutes of classical music, during which their emotional arousal levels were tracked. Once these levels had returned to baseline, the volunteers took memory tests in which they had to distinguish between objects they had seen before, new ones, and slightly altered versions of familiar objects. Participants also rated their familiarity with the music and reported their emotional responses while listening to it.

The results revealed that music, on its own, did not boost memory across the board. However, specific individuals did show notable improvements, particularly when it came to recognising objects that were similar but not identical to those they had studied earlier. This improvement suggested an enhancement of detail-based memory, the type of recall that allows us to distinguish fine distinctions rather than just remembering general impressions. In contrast, those whose emotional responses to the music were either too strong or too muted tended to rely more on gist-based memory, capturing the big picture but losing track of specifics.

This distinction between gist and detail memory lies at the heart of how human cognition balances efficiency and accuracy. Gist-based memory is vital for functioning in everyday life, as it enables us to retain broad concepts and discard unnecessary details, thereby conserving mental resources. But detailed memory is equally essential, particularly in tasks that demand precision, such as studying, recognising faces, or recalling instructions. As Leal noted, “Music helped with detail-based memory, but only when the level of emotional arousal was just right for that person.”

The implications extend well beyond the laboratory. For students, listening to moderately arousing music after studying may sharpen the retention of crucial details for exams, whereas listening to highly emotional music could inadvertently blur recall. Clinically, the findings are even more intriguing. Because music influences the hippocampus, the brain region essential for transforming experiences into long-term memories, it could be harnessed to either strengthen or soften memory depending on therapeutic goals. For example, music might enhance memory for details in older adults or those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, in conditions like PTSD, it might instead be used to promote gist-based memory, reducing the sharpness of traumatic recollections.

However, the researchers caution that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The “sweet spot” of emotional arousal varies significantly between individuals, meaning that therapies will need to be personalised. Leal and her team stress that continued research is crucial, particularly at a time when funding for Alzheimer’s research remains uncertain. “Music is non-invasive, low cost, and easy to personalise,” she said. “But without adequate support, it will be difficult to scale this research into treatments that could be both effective and widely accessible.” By illuminating the subtle ways in which music shapes memory, the study underscores the extraordinary potential of this everyday art form to influence learning, therapy, and ageing.

More information: Stephanie Leal et al, Fine-Tuning the Details: Post-encoding Music Differentially Impacts General and Detailed Memory, JNeurosci. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0158-25.2025

Journal information: JNeurosci Provided by University of California – Los Angeles

Rising Heat Waves Endanger the Health of Older Adults

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Older adults often underestimate their vulnerability to extreme heat and are frequently unprepared for prolonged periods of hot weather. This concern is highlighted in a new review of more than forty studies, which found that while seniors may take basic steps during a heatwave, such as drinking water or moving to a cooler space, far less is known about how they prepare in advance. The researchers suggest this lack of planning may stem from a low perception of risk, leaving many at greater danger than they realise.

Smitha Rao, assistant professor of social work at The Ohio State University and co-author of the study, emphasised the need to change how extreme heat is viewed. “Heat is rarely considered a disaster in the same way as hurricanes or floods, but it should be,” she said. “Because it is not visible, it is often described as the ‘silent killer.’” The study, published on August 20, 2025, in PLOS Climate, systematically reviewed 41 studies from around the world, spanning the years 2010 to 2024. Most of these, 29 in total, examined how older adults cope with the onset of a heatwave. Only one study looked at long-term preparedness.

The researchers argue that this gap is worrying, given that older adults are one of the fastest-growing segments of the global population. By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and above is expected to surpass the number of children under five. At the same time, the world has experienced unprecedented heat in recent years, with record-breaking temperatures in 2023 and 2024. Co-author Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, professor of social work at Ohio State, warned that strategies used in the past to handle hot weather are no longer sufficient. “We tend to rely on experience, but the reality has shifted. Both individuals and service providers must adapt to this new climate,” she said.

Ageing itself complicates matters. As bodies grow older, their ability to regulate heat changes, and health conditions or common medications may increase susceptibility to overheating. Rao stressed that many older adults and their caregivers are unaware of these risks. This helps explain why so many heat-related deaths occur at home, often quietly during the night, with individuals not realising they were in danger until it was too late. The study underscores the importance of recognising these physiological changes and adapting safety strategies accordingly.

While most research has focused on individual behaviours, a smaller number of studies—seven in total—examined service delivery to older adults during extreme heat or other weather emergencies. Strikingly, more emphasis was often placed on protection from cold rather than heat, further evidence that heat has been underestimated as a hazard. Even fewer studies addressed policy-level responses, despite their importance in preventing harm. The authors argue that governments and organisations must do more to ensure seniors are protected before emergencies strike. Examples include home weatherisation programmes, providing affordable access to cooling systems, and designing tailored interventions that reflect the needs of different communities.

Some local responses show promise. In Columbus, Ohio, the Central Ohio Transit Authority has introduced free bus rides during periods of extreme heat, allowing residents of all ages to reach cooling centres without financial barriers. Marisa Sheldon, director of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center at Ohio State, praised such measures as forward-thinking. “It is good to see policy changes that reflect our new climate reality,” she said. Yet the researchers stress that much more needs to be done, especially to scale up similar initiatives elsewhere.

Finally, communication and trust emerged as key themes in both this review and related work published in Environmental Communication. Older adults, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, often rely on trusted networks for information during extreme weather events. Co-author Fiona Doherty highlighted the value of relationship-building: “Connecting neighbours, identifying trusted information sources, and strengthening ties between individuals and community agencies are essential. Without that trust, even the best expert advice may not change behaviour.” Taken together, the findings underscore that preparing older adults for extreme heat requires more than short-term fixes—it demands systemic change, proactive planning, and recognition that this invisible threat is every bit as dangerous as more dramatic disasters.

More information: Fiona Doherty et al, Extreme heat preparedness and coping among older adults: A rapid review, PLOS Climate. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000689

Journal information: PLOS Climate Provided by Ohio State University

Stalking linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke in women

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A new study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation has found that women who reported being stalked or who obtained a restraining order faced a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke in later life. The research highlights an under-recognised link between experiences of violence and women’s cardiovascular health, urging healthcare professionals to consider such factors alongside more traditional risks. Lead author Rebecca B. Lawn, Ph.D., from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia, emphasised the importance of moving beyond conventional risk factors to examine how underexplored forms of violence may affect long-term health.

The study analysed data from over 66,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II, tracking women aged 36 to 56 from 2001 to 2021. None of the women had cardiovascular disease at the start of the study. Researchers collected self-reported data on stalking experiences and restraining orders, then compared these against medical outcomes such as heart attacks and strokes. Overall, nearly 12% of women reported stalking experiences, while almost 6% reported having obtained a restraining order—considered a marker of severe violence.

Findings revealed that women who reported stalking were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to those who had not, while those with restraining orders faced a 70% higher risk. Roughly 3% of participants developed new-onset heart disease or stroke over the study’s 20-year period. These associations remained even after accounting for conventional risk factors such as lifestyle, medication, health conditions, depression, and childhood abuse. The results suggest that experiences of stalking and harassment can exert long-term health consequences that extend beyond psychological harm.

The study underscores the chronic and often underestimated impact of stalking. “Stalking is often seen as less serious because it does not involve physical contact,” Lawn noted. “However, it can be persistent and disruptive, often forcing women to make significant changes such as moving house.” Other experts, such as Dr Harmony R. Reynolds from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stressed that feeling unsafe can be profoundly damaging to cardiovascular health, echoing evidence that stress, trauma, and intimate partner violence raise disease risk over time.

Researchers suggest that the connection between stalking, restraining orders, and cardiovascular disease may be rooted in psychological distress, which disrupts biological processes such as nervous system regulation and blood vessel function. While the precise mechanisms were not thoroughly examined in this study, the findings align with previous research linking sexual assault and workplace harassment to higher blood pressure. They highlight the need for greater awareness, prevention strategies, and support systems for women who have endured violence.

Despite its strengths, the study had limitations. Most participants were non-Hispanic white women and registered nurses, which means the results may not apply to more diverse populations. Moreover, data on stalking and restraining orders relied on self-reports, though health outcomes were confirmed with medical records. Even so, the evidence reinforces the urgency of training healthcare providers to recognise violence as a potential cardiovascular risk factor and to connect affected women with appropriate resources and support.

More information: Rebecca B. Lawn et al, Experiences of Stalking and Obtaining a Restraining Order Are Associated With Onset of Cardiovascular Events in Women: A Prospective Analysis in the Nurses’ Health Study II, Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.073592

Journal information: Circulation Provided by American Heart Association

The Cutting-Edge Tools Shaping the Future of Parkinson’s Care

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Over the past quarter-century, the number of people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease has doubled, yet methods of treatment and monitoring remain outdated. Clinicians still rely on subjective rating scales to assess symptoms, and many patients wait months or even years between visits to a trained neurologist. This gap leaves patients uncertain about how their condition is progressing or whether their medication regimes are working effectively. The shortage of movement disorder specialists, who comprise only a small fraction of physicians, exacerbates the challenge and hampers the development of new therapies.

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have sought to address this unmet need with a simple, portable device known as the KeyDuo, paired with a digital platform called Quantitative DigitoGraphy Care. This system enables patients to monitor their Parkinson’s symptoms from home using just two tactile levers connected to a smartphone or tablet. The device translates subtle details of finger tapping—such as pressure, speed and amplitude—into quantifiable data that can be transmitted directly to clinicians. In turn, physicians gain real-time insights into their patients’ motor performance without relying solely on occasional in-person assessments.

The idea originated from earlier work on a computerised keyboard designed for musicians with dystonia. When a pianist with Parkinson’s tested the keyboard both on and off medication, researchers noticed the difference in the resulting data. Refinements led to the KeyDuo, engineered to measure not only taps but also joint rigidity, something previously impossible to capture outside an in-person examination. Patients complete a short test by alternating finger taps for thirty seconds, and the device instantly generates a detailed motor assessment for physicians to review.

Clinical studies have underscored the device’s promise. In one trial, patients used the whole system at home for 30 days, testing themselves twice daily. The results provided valuable information on symptom fluctuations in response to medication, offering a day-to-day picture of disease progression. Another study demonstrated the system’s ability to detect tremors with 98% sensitivity, a breakthrough in capturing a symptom that often eludes even trained examiners during clinic visits. Compliance rates were high, showing that patients found the technology both practical and easy to use.

The benefits of such objective monitoring are far-reaching. For clinicians, it provides consistent, validated data that reduces reliance on subjective scales. For patients, it fosters more frequent connections with providers between visits, enabling them to manage their medication schedules better. The device could also support primary care physicians who lack specialist training, providing them with reliable data to inform treatment decisions. Researchers also stand to gain, as continuous, high-resolution monitoring could streamline clinical trials and accelerate the testing of new therapies.

Ultimately, the Stanford team envisions their technology transforming Parkinson’s care in much the same way continuous glucose monitoring has revolutionised diabetes management. By shifting evaluation from sporadic clinic visits to continuous, real-world data collection, the KeyDuo and its digital platform promise to improve both day-to-day care and long-term outcomes for patients living with Parkinson’s disease.

More information: Helen Bronte-Stewart et al, Remote real time digital monitoring fills a critical gap in the management of Parkinson’s disease, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41531-025-01101-0

Journal information: Nature Provided by Stanford Medicine

Rising Heat and Humidity Linked to Surge in Emergency Visits for Heart Problems

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Extreme heat places an enormous strain on the cardiovascular system, as the heart must work harder to regulate body temperature. When the air is hot, the heart increases its pumping rate to move blood closer to the skin, allowing heat to be released through sweat and evaporation. However, this extra workload can significantly increase the risk of serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke, especially in individuals already living with heart conditions. The burden on the body intensifies further when high humidity is added to the mix, reducing the effectiveness of the body’s natural cooling system.

A recent study conducted by Tulane University has highlighted the dangers of this combination. Published in Science of the Total Environment, the research analysed more than 340,000 emergency room visits for cardiovascular issues in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between 2014 and 2019. By comparing medical data with historical weather records, researchers were able to draw clear connections between extreme weather conditions and surges in hospital visits. The results showed that while high heat alone increased risks, the danger escalated sharply on days when both temperature and humidity were at their highest.

The numbers were striking. On days of intense heat combined with humidity levels above 82 per cent, the likelihood of a person requiring emergency treatment for a heart-related issue was six times greater than on days with more moderate weather. Even when considered in isolation, heat was associated with an 8% rise in emergencies. On days that were hot but with relatively low humidity, the risk increased by about 4.4 per cent. However, when oppressive humidity was layered on top of already high temperatures, the probability increased by 26.7 per cent. This consistent pattern held across different age groups and between men and women, demonstrating the universality of the risk.

Lead author Mostafijur Rahman, an assistant professor at Tulane’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasised the importance of these findings. He explained that while the dangers of heat are well understood, the extent to which humidity amplifies the risks was surprising even to the research team. “We know extreme heat can have a negative health impact,” Rahman noted, “but I never expected such a dramatic increase in risk when high humidity is also factored in.” Notably, the study found that humidity alone was not responsible for the increased number of heart emergencies, but rather its combination with heat, which disrupts the body’s ability to cool itself.

In Dhaka, the stakes are exceptionally high. Air conditioning remains rare in most households, leaving millions of residents vulnerable during periods of severe weather. Bangladesh is also consistently ranked among the nations most exposed to the impacts of climate change, meaning that its citizens will face growing challenges as average temperatures continue to rise. The study highlights how climate-related health threats disproportionately affect regions with limited access to cooling technology, underscoring the need for governments and health systems to develop strategies to protect those at risk.

The implications of the Tulane research extend far beyond Bangladesh. Across large parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions prone to high heat, billions of people live with limited access to air conditioning. They are regularly exposed to extreme heat and humidity. Rahman and his colleagues hope their findings will inspire both governments and communities to take proactive steps. These include early warning systems for dangerous weather conditions, as well as public health campaigns urging individuals to adopt protective behaviours. Simple measures, such as staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and utilising public, air-conditioned spaces, can reduce risks. In a warming world, the message is clear: the combination of heat and humidity poses a grave danger to heart health, and ignoring their combined impact could be deadly.

More information: Mostafijur Rahman et al, Compounding effects of heat and high humidity on cardiovascular morbidity in Dhaka, Bangladesh: An implication of climate crisis, Science of The Total Environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180220

Journal information: Science of The Total Environment Provided by Tulane University

Stigma turns hearing loss into hidden silence

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One in three adults over the age of 50 conceals their hearing loss, often because they fear being judged or dismissed. Despite greater public discussion around accessibility and inclusion, stigma remains a powerful barrier that prevents many from seeking the help they need. A newly published special issue of the International Journal of Audiology reveals the persistence of these negative perceptions and their real-world consequences.

The international research program featured in the issue brought together eight studies that examine how stigma influences the experiences of adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who provide support. The work was led by Dr Katie Ekberg of Flinders University and Professor Louise Hickson AM of The University of Queensland, who emphasise that while hearing loss is often seen as a practical or technical issue, the emotional and social toll can be just as significant.

In Australia alone, around 3.6 million people live with some form of hearing loss. Yet the condition is not just about missing sounds or struggling in noisy settings. Left unacknowledged, hearing difficulties can erode confidence, contribute to social withdrawal, and are linked to loneliness, memory problems, and even depression. The research also found that nearly 60% of adults with hearing loss had been laughed at or ridiculed, experiences that often led to embarrassment and reinforced their decision to keep quiet about their condition.

To explore these experiences in depth, the team drew upon a wide range of methods: interviews, surveys, and even real-world video recordings of interactions between adults with hearing loss, their partners, and clinicians. An extensive online survey, completed by more than 600 participants across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, provided further evidence of how widespread stigma remains. The scope of the study makes it one of the most comprehensive investigations into this issue to date.

One striking discovery was the difference in perspective between those experiencing hearing loss and the clinicians who support them. Professionals tended to emphasise the stigma associated with hearing aids, whereas adults with hearing loss described their most significant concern as the stigma of the condition itself. Far from viewing modern hearing aids as embarrassing, many participants praised them as discreet, high-tech tools that improved quality of life. What proved more difficult was taking the first step of admitting the need for support.

Encouraging open conversations is therefore vital. The research shows that individuals who talk openly about their hearing loss are more likely to embrace hearing aids and other forms of assistance. Yet disclosure is often fraught with anxiety. Dr Ekberg points out that clinicians can help by asking gentle, straightforward questions such as “Who have you told about your hearing loss?” In doing so, professionals can gain insight into the personal barriers their clients face and provide reassurance that sharing these challenges is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Challenging public stereotypes also matters. Too often, hearing loss is still associated exclusively with advanced old age, when in reality it commonly begins in midlife. Raising awareness of this fact, alongside providing supportive resources, is a crucial step in breaking the silence. To that end, the research team has developed practical tools—including infographics for clinics and community settings—to spark discussion and reduce stigma. By reframing hearing loss as a normal, manageable condition rather than a hidden burden, the findings call upon families, professionals, and society at large to speak more openly, paving the way towards greater understanding and connection.

More information: Katie Ekberg et al, To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: introduction to the special issue, International Journal of Audiology. DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651

Journal information: International Journal of Audiology Provided by Flinders University

Boston University develops AI model to forecast early indicators of Alzheimer’s

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Researchers at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have created an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict key biological signs of Alzheimer’s disease with high accuracy. The tool focuses on the presence of amyloid beta and tau—sticky proteins that accumulate in the brain and are strongly linked to the condition. Unlike costly diagnostic methods, this AI system relies on more accessible information, such as brain scans, memory tests, medical records, and genetic data.

According to lead author Vijaya B. Kolachalama, PhD, FAHA, associate professor of medicine and computer science at Boston University, the AI tool offers something current blood tests cannot: the ability to show where in the brain these proteins are building up. “While new blood tests can detect signs of Alzheimer’s, they lack the capacity to reveal the affected brain regions. Our AI system addresses this gap, providing valuable location-specific details,” he explains.

To train the model, the research team collected data from seven international cohorts, including information from more than 12,000 participants. This large dataset contained health histories, cognitive assessments, genetic profiles, and imaging results. The AI was designed to learn the patterns associated with amyloid and tau build-up and was also programmed to function even when certain types of data were missing. When tested on a separate group of individuals, the model was able to accurately predict which participants had elevated protein levels, confirming its robustness.

The potential impact of this innovation is significant. By offering a cheaper and less invasive method of identifying people at risk, the tool could allow doctors to select suitable candidates for treatment with new Alzheimer’s drugs or for participation in clinical trials. Kolachalama emphasises that such efficiency could save time and reduce unnecessary procedures, while improving access for patients who may not otherwise undergo expensive testing. For families, this could mean faster diagnoses, fewer burdensome exams, and earlier opportunities to begin treatment.

Looking ahead, the researchers suggest that this AI technology may change how Alzheimer’s disease is staged, enabling detection before symptoms become severe and paving the way for personalised interventions such as tailored diets or exercise plans. They also believe its applications could extend beyond Alzheimer’s, helping to detect other protein-related conditions such as frontotemporal dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. In this way, the tool represents not only a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research but also a promising advance for the broader field of neurodegenerative disease.

More information: Vijaya B. Kolachalama et al, AI-driven fusion of multimodal data for Alzheimer’s disease biomarker assessment, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62590-4

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by Boston University School of Medicine

Centenarians show delayed progression of age-related illnesses

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Reaching the milestone of one hundred years of age does not automatically equate to a life overshadowed by illness. According to new research from Karolinska Institutet, those who live to become centenarians not only enjoy longer lives but also tend to remain in better health than their peers, with fewer diseases that emerge at a slower pace.

Published in eClinicalMedicine, the study compared individuals who lived to 100 with those who died earlier. The findings reveal that centenarians carry a lighter disease burden overall, and when illnesses do appear, they progress more gradually. Unlike many older adults who accumulate multiple diagnoses in their final years, centenarians often maintain a more stable health profile from around the age of 90 onwards. Typically, they experience conditions confined to a single organ system, with a notably lower frequency of overlapping illnesses.

One of the more striking results concerns cardiovascular disease, which is not only rarer among centenarians but also tends to develop later in life. Similarly, neuropsychiatric disorders are less prevalent in those who achieve extreme longevity. These patterns indicate that centenarians are not merely prolonging the inevitable course of ageing; instead, they follow a distinctive trajectory marked by resilience against some of the most common age-related conditions.

“Our results challenge the prevailing assumption that a longer life is synonymous with an extended period of poor health,” explains Karin Modig, associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and senior author of the study. “Centenarians demonstrate a unique ageing curve, where disease progression slows down and resistance to age-related disorders is heightened.”

The investigation drew on the entire Swedish birth cohort of 1920 to 1922, encompassing over 270,000 individuals. Researchers monitored the participants’ health records from the age of 70 for up to three decades, using national health registers to track the development and progression of disease. The analysis revealed that centenarians not only postpone the onset of illness but also seem to age in a way that sets them apart fundamentally from those with shorter lifespans.

“Exceptional longevity is not simply about avoiding sickness until later years,” Modig continues. “It represents a distinctive biological pathway of ageing. The data suggest that centenarians maintain homeostasis and a remarkable resistance to disease despite the usual wear and tear of ageing—a phenomenon that may stem from a fortunate interplay of genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.”

More information: Karin Modig et al, Disease accumulation and distribution across the lifespan in Swedish centenarians and non-centenarians: a nationwide life course comparison of longevity and health resilience, EClinicalMedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103396

Journal information: EClinicalMedicine Provided by Karolinska Institutet

Helping Others Found to Delay Cognitive Decline

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Recent evidence suggests that meaningful social engagement can be a powerful safeguard for brain health. A team from The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Massachusetts Boston has shown that older adults who regularly help others outside the home experience a significantly slower rate of cognitive decline. Their study, published in Social Science & Medicine, draws on more than two decades of data and highlights how even modest acts of support can make a lasting difference as people age.

The research followed over 30,000 U.S. adults aged 51 and above, examining outcomes over 20 years through the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. Findings revealed that individuals who volunteered formally or who offered informal help to neighbours, relatives, or friends slowed their age-related cognitive decline by 15% to 20%. The most striking results appeared among those devoting just two to four hours per week to helping behaviours, a relatively modest commitment with substantial benefits.

“What stood out to me was that the cognitive benefits of helping weren’t just temporary boosts, but cumulative over time,” explained lead author Sae Hwang Han, assistant professor of human development and family sciences at UT Austin. “Sustained engagement was consistently linked to slower decline, whether through formal volunteering or informal help. And importantly, moderate involvement — just a few hours a week — proved robustly effective.”

The study is notable for considering not only structured volunteering, such as working with charities or community organisations, but also informal acts of support that are often overlooked. These include giving neighbours lifts to medical appointments, assisting with childcare, helping with home maintenance, or offering guidance on financial tasks such as taxes. While about a third of older Americans participate in formal volunteering, more than half engage in such informal helping. Contrary to assumptions that informal assistance carries fewer health benefits because it lacks formal recognition, the study found its cognitive impact to be comparable.

Importantly, the research controlled for factors such as wealth, education, physical health, and mental health, reinforcing the finding that helping behaviours themselves drive the protective effect. The data also showed that individuals who withdrew from helping roles entirely fared worse in terms of cognitive functioning. As Han emphasised, this underscores the need for older adults to remain engaged in meaningful roles, with supports and accommodations in place to help them continue contributing.

The broader implications are profound. With conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s increasingly common in ageing populations, the study strengthens the case for viewing volunteerism and neighbourly support as public health priorities. Han’s related research has also linked volunteering to lower levels of stress-related inflammation, a biological pathway tied to dementia risk. Taken together, the findings suggest that helping others not only reduces physiological wear and tear but also nurtures the social connections that provide psychological and emotional resilience. In a society grappling with rising loneliness and isolation, the message is clear: opportunities to give support are also opportunities to protect and sustain brain health.

More information: Sae Hwang Han et al, Helping behaviors and cognitive function in later life: The impact of dynamic role transitions and dose changes, Social Science & Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118465

Journal information: Social Science & Medicine Provided by University of Texas at Austin

Neighbourhood walkability linked to lower stress levels during COVID-19

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A recent study from the University of New Hampshire has revealed that communities designed to be more walkable offered significant mental health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. In neighbourhoods where people could easily step outside and go for a walk, residents were less likely to experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. The research highlights how something as simple as access to safe, walkable streets helped to reduce the psychological burden of living through an unprecedented global crisis.

Karen Conway, professor of economics at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, described walking as a crucial outlet during those uncertain times. “The unknown of the pandemic was difficult, but to be able to get outside and simply go for a walk was a salvation for many people,” she explained. She noted that her own family, with all of her adult children back home during lockdowns, relied on daily walks as a way to cope. Beyond the physical exercise, it became a source of connection, offering opportunities to wave at neighbours across the street and briefly reclaim a sense of normality.

The study, published in Health Economics and co-authored with Andrea K. Menclova of the University of Canterbury, analysed national census and survey data to measure the relationship between walkability and mental health. Using the Environmental Protection Agency’s 0–20 Walkability Index, the researchers found that even a modest improvement of four points on the scale was associated with a four per cent reduction in mental health deterioration related to the pandemic. This finding underscores how relatively minor changes to neighbourhood design can have tangible impacts on well-being.

To strengthen their conclusions, the researchers compared data collected before the pandemic (2018–2019) with figures from the peak years of the crisis (2020–2021). Drawing on more than 55,000 Census tracts across the United States, they matched the EPA’s walkability measures with mental health surveys from the CDC. By focusing on variations within the same counties, they could account for broader cultural and environmental similarities while isolating walkability as a distinct local factor. This approach revealed that even in areas facing the same policy restrictions and health outcomes, levels of psychological distress varied depending on the neighbourhood’s walkability.

The benefits of walkability stem from multiple overlapping influences. Walking promoted physical activity, encouraged time outdoors, and fostered social ties within communities. While walking for commuting declined due to lockdowns and remote work, leisure walking increased sharply, often centred around residential areas. These local walks were not only a form of exercise but also a means of social engagement, however modest, and this combination of activity and connection provided a buffer against the mental strain of isolation.

Although the research focused specifically on the pandemic, its implications extend to other stressors in everyday life. Walkable communities may help people cope with challenges such as bereavement, divorce, job loss, or general anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of integrating walkability into urban planning and public health policy, from adding sidewalks and pedestrian crossings to implementing traffic-calming measures. By prioritising walkability, cities and towns can foster resilience, improve mental health, and build communities that are better prepared to withstand future crises.

More information: Karen Smith Conway et al, Walkability and Mental Health Resiliency During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Health Economics. DOI: 10.1002/hec.70013

Journal information: Health Economics Provided by University of New Hampshire

Study warns AI chatbots can spread medical falsehoods, underscoring urgent need for safeguards

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A new study from researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has found that popular AI chatbots are highly vulnerable to repeating and expanding upon false medical information. The findings, published on 2 August in Communications Medicine, point to an urgent need for stronger safeguards before these tools can be safely relied upon in health care. Encouragingly, the research also demonstrated that a simple built-in warning prompt can substantially reduce the spread of errors, offering a practical path forward as AI systems continue to evolve.

To test the reliability of chatbots in medical contexts, the investigators designed fictional patient scenarios, each containing one invented element such as a non-existent disease, symptom, or test. In the first phase of the study, the chatbots reviewed these cases without additional guidance. They not only repeated the false details but often elaborated upon them, confidently producing explanations and treatments for conditions that do not exist. This behaviour, the team concluded, exposes a critical blind spot in how current systems handle misinformation.

Lead author Mahmud Omar, MD, an independent consultant working with the research group, explained the risk: “What we saw across the board is that AI chatbots can be easily misled by false medical details, whether those errors are intentional or accidental. They not only repeated the misinformation but often expanded on it, offering confident explanations for non-existent conditions. The encouraging part is that a simple, one-line warning added to the prompt cut those hallucinations dramatically, showing that small safeguards can make a big difference.”

When the researchers added that one-line safeguard—reminding the chatbot that the information it was given might be inaccurate—the results shifted markedly. Errors were reduced nearly in half, underscoring how modest interventions in prompt design can make the tools significantly safer. Co-senior author Eyal Klang, MD, Chief of Generative AI in the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai, noted: “Even a single made-up term could trigger a detailed, decisive response based entirely on fiction. But the simple, well-timed safety reminder made an important difference, cutting those errors dramatically. That tells us these tools can be made safer, but only if we take prompt design and safeguards seriously.”

The team now plans to extend their “fake-term” method to real, de-identified patient records and to test more advanced safety prompts and retrieval tools. They hope their approach will give hospitals, developers, and regulators a straightforward way to stress-test AI systems before deploying them in clinical practice. By exposing vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, the method could play a critical role in shaping safer applications of AI in medicine.

Reflecting on the broader implications, co-senior author Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, MPH, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health and Chief AI Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System, emphasised that the solution is not to abandon AI but to improve it. “A single misleading phrase can prompt a confident yet entirely wrong answer,” he said. “The solution isn’t to abandon AI in medicine, but to engineer tools that can spot dubious input, respond with caution, and ensure human oversight remains central. We’re not there yet, but with deliberate safety measures, it’s an achievable goal.”

More information: Mahmud Omar et al, Multi-model assurance analysis showing large language models are highly vulnerable to adversarial hallucination attacks during clinical decision support, Communications Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-01021-3

Journal information: Communications Medicine Provided by The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine

For older adults: the psychological benefits of staying inquisitive

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In two recently published studies, researchers have shown that older adults who continue to challenge themselves with new learning experiences are less likely to suffer from loneliness or depression, even in times of profound disruption. The work, conducted at the University of California, Riverside, highlights how acquiring unfamiliar skills can help foster resilience and protect mental health in later life. Published in PLOS Mental Health, the findings emphasise the long-term benefits of sustained cognitive engagement, particularly during periods of uncertainty such as the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Wu, a psychologist at UC Riverside and one of the study authors, noted that the process of learning is rarely easy at first. “Learning can be difficult and uncomfortable in the short term,” she explained. “But that short-term discomfort actually helps protect us in the long run.” Her team’s research suggests that actively working through the frustration of new learning experiences equips older adults with greater adaptability and mental strength when confronted with unexpected life changes.

The studies examined how adults of different ages adjusted to the upheaval of the pandemic. In the first study, participants were divided into two groups: one that included adults as young as 19, and another that focused exclusively on people aged 50 and above. Some individuals in the older cohort had previously taken part in a structured intervention programme designed to encourage curiosity and foster the ability to learn new skills. Across both groups, participants were asked how much time they spent learning during the pandemic year and how their mental health changed over that period.

Lead author Lilian Azer, formerly a graduate student at UC Riverside, said the findings revealed a clear and consistent pattern. “People who were actively learning fared better in terms of mental health outcomes, especially older adults who might otherwise have been more vulnerable to isolation and stress,” she explained. The participants reported on measures such as depression, loneliness, and general wellbeing, as well as their perceptions of memory, focus, and decision-making ability. Those who had engaged in skill-building did not necessarily feel happier immediately. Still, a year later, they demonstrated significantly greater resilience than peers who had not taken up new challenges.

A second study took a closer look at adults over the age of 58 who had previously enrolled in classes such as digital photography, drawing, or language learning before the pandemic began. When compared with peers who had not participated in such programmes, these older learners appeared to cope better emotionally during the crisis. Wu explained that the habit of learning seemed to strengthen their ability to adapt: “You want to have the machinery of learning dusted off, so it works when you need it,” she said. The pandemic, with its closure of formal learning spaces, also revealed that self-directed learning—through hobbies or digital tools—could provide lasting psychological benefits even without structured support.

The researchers argue that their work addresses a long-overlooked area in the scientific literature. Much of what is known about the effects of learning is confined to early adulthood, leaving later life largely unexamined. Wu believes this gap needs to be closed. “There’s so little research on how learning affects people after their formal education ends,” she observed. “But we know that if you’re not learning, you’re probably declining, no matter what age you are.” She hopes the findings will encourage policymakers and healthcare providers to view continuous learning as a cornerstone of healthy ageing, on par with physical activity. “You don’t want to wait until you have to learn something in a crisis,” Wu added. “Seek out challenges. Keep growing. That’s how you stay ready.”

More information: Lilian Azer et al, Subjective executive functioning and skill learning during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with perceived loneliness, depressive symptoms, and well-being, PLOS Mental Health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000372

Journal information: PLOS Mental Health Provided by University of California – Riverside