Chronic loneliness in young and middle-aged adults may have long-term consequences for brain health, a new study from Penn State University suggests. The research, recently published in *BMC Public Health*, shows that people who experience persistent feelings of loneliness over time may be at higher risk for early cognitive decline.

The study, conducted by the Penn State Department of Human Development and Family Studies, tracked 172 adults aged between 25 and 65 years over two years as part of the ESCAPE Project (Effects of Stress on Cognitive Aging, Physiology, and Emotion). The researchers assessed participants' cognitive performance at three different intervals using smartphone-based "brain games" designed to evaluate working memory, processing speed, and spatial memory. Each participant played the games five times a day for two weeks during each data collection wave.

Participants also completed detailed surveys measuring loneliness, responding to statements such as “I feel left out,” using a five-point scale. Individuals were considered chronically lonely if they reported high levels of loneliness across at least two consecutive waves of data collection.

The results revealed that those who were not chronically lonely improved their performance over time—likely due to practice and increased familiarity with the tasks. In contrast, participants who reported chronic loneliness showed no such improvement, indicating a lack of neurocognitive adaptability. “Loneliness is natural and universal,” said lead author Jee eun Kang, postdoctoral scholar at Penn State’s Center for Healthy Aging. “But once it becomes chronic, it can take a toll on your cognitive health.”

Martin Sliwinski, co-author and director of the Center for Healthy Aging, noted that the absence of cognitive improvement among lonely individuals is a red flag. “Anytime we repeatedly measure cognitive abilities, there's a tendency for scores to improve due to practice effects,” he explained. “But here, that didn’t happen for the chronically lonely group. This pattern resembles what we often see in people with early neurodegenerative conditions.”

The study is among the first to apply a longitudinal design—tracking the same individuals over time—to assess how loneliness affects cognitive performance in adults younger than 65. While previous research has largely focused on loneliness in older adults, this study suggests the cognitive impacts of social isolation can manifest much earlier in life.

The researchers argue that addressing loneliness should be a public health priority for all age groups, not just the elderly. “It’s never too late to invest in your cognitive health,” said Sliwinski. “But starting earlier, just like saving for retirement, sets you up for a better outcome later in life.”

Another recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity (2024) supports these findings, indicating that loneliness is an independent risk factor for dementia and cognitive impairment, even after accounting for lifestyle and health variables.

Experts recommend intentional social engagement—such as scheduling regular interactions and being emotionally present during conversations—as a strategy to combat loneliness. Kang added, “Even if it’s hard, reaching out is an important life skill. Social support is crucial not only for quality of life but also for maintaining brain health.”

As modern lifestyles shift and digital connections replace in-person interactions, it becomes even more important for young and middle-aged adults to prioritize meaningful relationships. Chronic loneliness, if left unaddressed, may quietly erode cognitive resilience, long before old age sets in.

Suicides are one of the leading causes of death around the world. While it is easy to say that the person who chose to take their lives did it of their own violation, Harvard psychologist Dr. Matthew Nock, explains the other side. “90% of people who try and kill themselves say, I didn't want to die per se. I wanted to escape from seemingly intolerable.” Speaking on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty, Dr. Nock pointed out that the link between work pressure and suicidal thoughts varies by race and ethnicity.

The concerning rise in suicide cases tied to work pressure has fueled a social media conversation about toxic work culture. What was once considered a normal part of the professional grind is now being openly challenged, as people share personal stories of the anxiety, depression, and isolation caused by unhealthy work environments.

What Professions Are At High Risk Of Suicide?

According to Dr. Matthew Nock, certain careers are linked to a higher risk of suicide.

Police Officers

He noted that physicians and police officers are among those at high risk. He mentioned a spike in suicides among New York City police officers, who are predominantly white men, and shared that female police officers, in particular, face a higher risk, even when accounting for factors like age, race, and ethnicity.

According to a 2025 study published in the Police Practice and Research, on average, 21.4 out of every 100,000 officers died by suicide each year.

The study showed that the suicide rate was much higher for male officers (22.7 per 100,000) than for female officers (12.7 per 100,000).

Physicians

Dr. Nock explained that access to means is a significant factor in these high-risk professions, which helps explain why physicians, police officers, and military members have a much higher risk of suicide compared to others.

Another study published in 2024 The BMJ, showed that the number of suicides among doctors has been going down, female doctors are still at a much higher risk than other people.

When looking at all the data, male doctors were found to have a 5% higher risk of suicide compared to the general population.

In a more recent analysis of the last few years, the overall suicide rate for doctors has decreased, which is good news. But even with this improvement, female doctors still have a 24% higher risk than the general public.

Why We Need To Talk More About Suicide

Dr. Nock stresses the importance of openly discussing suicide, particularly in schools. He compared it to fire drills or earthquake preparedness, saying that since 15% of people will experience suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to equip everyone with a safety plan..Dr. Matthew Nock said, "We know that asking about suicide, talking about suicide, does not make people suicidal."

He noted that the people who act on suicidal thoughts often show different signs than those who just have the thoughts. While depression is a strong predictor of having suicidal thoughts, other factors like anxiety, aggressiveness, poor behavioral control, and drug or alcohol use are more closely linked to a person actually attempting suicide.

He believes that a small educational module on suicide in health class could help save lives by teaching people what to do if they or someone they know is struggling.

Maintaining our gut health is not as easy as it seems. Even things like how you do your bowel movements could reveal how healthy your gut actually is. According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a board-certified gastroenterologist, many of us are making common mistakes on the toilet that can lead to real health problems. Here are three crucial habits to change to improve your gut health. Here are three mistakes' people make will they are in the washroom.

3 Bathroom Mistakes You Are Making

Stop Straining

Pushing or straining when you poop can cause serious issues like hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in your rectum and anus, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of your anus. In more severe cases, it can even lead to rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum slides out of the anus. Instead of forcing it, focus on taking deep breaths. This helps your abdominal muscles relax and allows your body to do its job naturally, reducing the risk of painful complications.

Put Down Your Phone

Scrolling on your phone while on the toilet can be a bad habit. Spending extra time on the toilet, even if you’re not straining, puts pressure on the delicate veins in your rectum. This can cause them to swell, significantly increasing your risk of hemorrhoids. To protect yourself, it’s best to keep your bathroom breaks short—ideally, under five minutes.

Don't Ignore the Urge

When you feel the need to poop, it's important not to hold it in, which makes it much more difficult to pass later, leading to and worsening constipation. When you feel the need to go, listen to your body. Holding it in causes your stool to get harder and drier, which makes constipation much worse and more painful later on. Train your gut to go when it says it's time.

Simple Ways To Improve Your Bowel Movements

Go at the Same Time Each Day

Try to create a routine. If you're often straining without success, try sitting on the toilet about 30-60 minutes after a meal, when your colon is naturally more active. A little stretching or a short walk beforehand can also help things get moving.

Use a Stool for Your Feet

The natural position for a bowel movement is squatting. You can mimic this position on a regular toilet by placing a small stool under your feet to raise your knees above your hips. This simple change helps your muscles relax and can make bowel movements easier and more complete.

Focus on Fiber and Fluids

Fiber is essential for creating soft stool that's easy to pass. Most adults should aim for 25 to 35 grams a day. Just remember to add it to your diet slowly. As you increase your fiber, be sure to drink more water and other non-caffeinated fluids, since caffeine can dehydrate you and make stool harder.

When to Seek Help

While these tips are a great starting point, sometimes you need more personalized help. You should talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs:

• A recent, unexplained change in your bowel habits
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained stomach pain
• A pelvic health physical therapist can also provide a full evaluation and create a personalized plan to improve your bowel health.

In recent news, you may have heard of new cases of Lyme disease popping up, a general increase in number has been noted. A few months ago, celebrity Justin Timberlake also shared his Lyme disease diagnosis, sparking a conversation regarding this disease. Many people have questions regarding the same, is it fatal, what kind of treatment do you need for it etc.

A major concern lies with pet parents, could their pets be carrying the bugs and does it affect them as well?

One of the first things you should know is that Lyme Disease is a zoonotic disease. These are illnesses that spread from animals to people. According to Lyme Disease organization, you might be surprised to learn that over 60% of all diseases that make us sick come from animals. Knowing how they get passed on is the first step to staying healthy. To understand its risks and early symptoms, we spoke to Dr. Karan Malhotra, a consultant dermatologist at CMRI, Kolkata.

How Does Lyme Disease Spread?

Zoonotic diseases can spread in a few different ways. The most direct way is through animal-to-human contact, which can be as simple as an infected animal biting you, like with rabies.

In the U.S., the most common one is Lyme disease, which a tick can pass on after it feeds on an infected animal. Ticks are actually responsible for 94% of all vector-borne diseases in the country, and mosquitoes infect millions of people around the world each year with diseases like malaria.

Are Pet Parents At Higher Risk for Lyme Disease?

A major concern for pet owners is whether their pets can bring ticks and the disease into their homes.

"Yes, that's true," says Dr. Malhotra, "Being a pet parent, especially with cats and dogs, increases your probability of encountering ticks and potentially getting Lyme disease, as pets can bring them into the home and introduce them to household members."

Because of this, pet-owning households are nearly twice as likely to have ticks in their homes and 1.5 times more likely to find ticks on family members compared to homes without pets.

Are There Signs That Your Pet Is Carrying Lyme Disease?

"Yes, absolutely. Pets can also be affected by Lyme disease," confirms Dr. Malhotra. Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by infected black-legged (deer) ticks. When a tick latches onto your pet for more than 24 hours, the bacteria can get into their bloodstream and spread throughout the body, leading to serious health problems. Some pets may not show any signs, but common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Lethargy and fatigue: Your pet seems unusually tired or less active.
• Fever
• Loss of appetite.
• Shifting lameness: Your pet's limp seems to move from one leg to another.

What Happens When Lyme Disease Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated in both humans and pets, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications. "Untreated Lyme disease can lead to significant complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system," explains Dr. Malhotra. These complications can include:

Lyme Arthritis: Joint pain and swelling.

Cardiac issues: Heart block and a slow heart rate.

Neurological problems: Facial paralysis, nerve damage, and cognitive difficulties like brain fog.

The bacteria can spread from the initial bite to other organs and tissues, causing these widespread issues if not treated promptly.

Simple Ways to Stay Safe

Preventing these diseases is all about avoiding exposure. If you live or work in an environment where you are around animals, here are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands and surfaces after touching animals or handling raw food.
• Drink safe water.
• Protect yourself and your pets from insects. Use tick and insect repellent, and make sure your pets are on year-round flea and tick medication.
• Keep your pets healthy with regular vet visits and vaccinations.
• Get vaccinated yourself for any preventable illnesses when possible.