It was just another day for Zhu (alias name), a 64-year-old construction worker from the eastern Zhejiang province of China. While returning from work, he bought meat for his spicy hot pot broth, a dish enjoyed with fresh meat cuts being cooked in the hot boiling broth and eaten immediately.

It wasn’t until days later that Zhu started experiencing headaches and epilepsy-like symptoms such as limb-twitching, mouth foaming, etc. Witnessing the symptoms, his co-workers encouraged Zhu to get medical help. At the hospital he went through multiple tests and scans which revealed abnormal deposits of calcium in his brain blood vessels. Even though the doctors wanted to explore further, he was reluctant, but he eventually gave in when the symptoms persisted.

An MRI confirmed what the doctors feared. The concerning headaches, twitching-limbs and mouth foaming were all caused by Tapeworms! The tapeworm larvae from the meat cuts had survived because they were not cooked properly.

This 2019 case study done by the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University is not the only bizarre case of brain parasites. Many people across the world have experienced them; who never thought their generic symptoms were due to an uninvited guest living in their brains. But these brain worms can do a lot more than trigger physical symptoms.

When Change In Behavior Is Not A Surface-Level Problem

To understand the different aspects of brain parasites and how they can affect the human mind, we spoke to Mr. Abhijeet Satani, Neuroscientist and Dr Srikanth, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals.

Usually when we feel irritable or forgetful, we chalk it up to stress and lack of sleep. However, have you ever considered the possibility of a parasite living in your brain? Mr. Satani explains that even though it sounds like fiction, neurocysticercosis is a real condition caused by tapeworms that infect the brain.

Dr Srikanth adds to the fact, explaining that these worms can not only alter the behavior but could also be responsible for seizures, cognitive decline, mood changes, or even psychosis in severe cases.

“This typically happens when someone ingests contaminated food or water with microscopic tapeworm eggs, often due to poor hygiene.” said Mr. Satani, “Once the parasite reaches the brain, it forms cysts, disrupting normal function. Symptoms can be complex and varied, including seizures, behavioral changes, mood swings, anxiety, or confusion. Some patients are misdiagnosed with depression or schizophrenia, only to discover later that a parasite is causing brain inflammation.”

How Do "Brain Worms" Get Inside Us?

The most common way people get infected with these brain worms is by accidentally consuming microscopic tapeworm eggs. These eggs are often found in contaminated food or water, typically due to poor hygiene. It might surprise you, unlike what many people believe, but you don't have to eat undercooked pork to get infected.

Dr. Srikanth said, “Surprisingly, even vegetarians can get infected through salads or vegetables handled by someone with poor hand hygiene carrying tapeworm eggs.” This means even people who have been lifelong vegetarians can get this condition if they come into contact with contaminated food or water. It's not about the meat you eat, but what your food has been exposed to.

Least Expected Way of Arrival

However, one of the least expected ways one could get infected is from another person. Mr. Satani explained “If someone is carrying the adult tapeworm in their intestines, they can shed eggs through their feces. And if they don’t wash their hands properly, those microscopic eggs can spread to other people. I've seen cases where someone who doesn’t eat meat, doesn’t travel, and lives a relatively healthy lifestyle ends up with brain cysts simply because they were unknowingly exposed through contact. Something as routine as sharing food, touching a contaminated surface, or even eating in a local restaurant with poor hygiene standards could be enough.”

Once these eggs are ingested, they hatch in the stomach. The larvae then travel through the bloodstream, and can eventually reach the brain, where they form cysts. These cysts then disrupt normal brain function.

How Can Parasites Change Our Behavior?

Some parasites have been shown to change how animals behave, and we're seeing similar patterns in humans. Mr. Satani explained that with "brain worms," changes in behavior usually come from the physical disruption and swelling caused by the cysts in specific parts of the brain.

“I’ll never forget a man in his late 30s who was being treated for what doctors thought was bipolar disorder. He had episodes of paranoia, sudden anger, and intense mood swings. Medications weren’t helping much, and his family was confused and distressed. Eventually, someone suggested getting a brain scan, and to everyone’s surprise, the MRI showed multiple cysts in his brain. He was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis. After proper treatment, including antiparasitic drugs and steroids, his behaviour started to stabilise. He went from being considered a psychiatric patient to someone dealing with a treatable brain infection.”

Dr. Srikanth adds that these changes can range from mood disorders to seizures, depending on where the cyst is located. Mr. Satani gave an example, if a cyst forms in the frontal lobe, which is the part of the brain that controls judgment, making decisions, and your personality, it can lead to sudden anger, impulsive actions, or emotional ups and downs. People might become unusually irritable, withdrawn, or paranoid, and it turns out to be due to pressure or swelling in the brain caused by a parasite. These aren't just mental issues; they are real physical changes. Some common changes observed are:

• Forgetting things
• Trouble focusing
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations

How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?

Behavioral changes are usually not immediate. Most people don't even realize they're infected until the cysts start affecting how their brain works explained Mr. Satani. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. At first, symptoms might be so small they're ignored—like being a bit more forgetful, anxious, or moody. But over time, especially if more cysts develop or swelling increases, the symptoms become harder to ignore. In some cases, seizures are the first big sign that something serious is wrong.

Dr. Srikanth added another disturbing detail, “Some brain worms can survive for up to two decades, either remaining active or eventually calcifying and becoming dormant.”

Mr Satani explains that our immune system doesn't always get rid of them on its own. In fact, the swelling caused by our immune system trying to fight them can sometimes do more damage than the cyst itself. That's why medical treatment usually involves both medicine to kill the parasite and steroids to reduce the swelling at the same time.

Awareness and Early Detection

The good news is that neurocysticercosis can be treated if caught early. Medical misdiagnoses are common, especially when the symptoms are misleading. Being aware is key. Dr Srikanth detailed, “I’ve seen a man misdiagnosed with dementia whose scan revealed a "starry-sky" brain full of cysts, and a woman with seizures and muscle swelling later found to have worm cysts in both brain and muscle tissues.”

A big thing that people should understand is that changes in behavior could very easily be a possible signs of brain stress, as well as a neurological problem. Infections, tumors, or certain immune system conditions can all start with small changes in how we act or remember things. Mr. Satani concludes the conversation by explaining how dealing with real-life cases of parasites and how a simple brain infection can cause psychological issues “That experience has stayed with me, because it shows how easily the line between mental health and brain health can be blurred—and how crucial it is to look deeper when something feels off.”

We often think of anxiety as an emotional or mental struggle- a racing heart before a big meeting, a persistent knot in the stomach, the endless loop of worst-case scenarios playing out in our minds but what if anxiety was doing more than just weighing on your mood? What if, over time, it was actually damaging your brain?

Chronic anxiety, if left untreated, doesn't just affect how you feel. Emerging neuroscience suggests it can also cause structural and functional damage to the brain, potentially speeding up the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

According to Dr. Prajwal Rao, DM Neurology and Head of the Department of Neurology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center in Pune, “We’re starting to view anxiety not just as a symptom of stress or a psychiatric diagnosis, but as a biological driver that may influence long-term brain health.” That insight is leading researchers and clinicians to reevaluate how they screen, diagnose, and treat anxiety—especially in older adults.

This is more than a mental health story. It’s a wake-up call about how your mind and body are more interconnected than we ever realized—and why ignoring chronic anxiety could have irreversible consequences.

How Does The Brain React on Chronic Stress?

At the core of this mind-body connection lies the body’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system is built for short-term survival, it floods your body with cortisol to help you react in fight-or-flight situations. But when anxiety is chronic, the HPA axis stays overactivated, keeping cortisol levels high for too long.

Dr. Rao explains, “Sustained cortisol exposure has neurotoxic effects. It weakens the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Over time, this can lead to measurable cognitive decline.”

This means that someone living with long-term anxiety isn’t just emotionally fatigued—they may also be more vulnerable to diseases involving memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s.

Recent imaging studies support what neurologists like Dr. Rao have long suspected. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) frequently show reduced hippocampal volume, a condition also observed in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. These findings suggest a troubling overlap between anxiety-related brain changes and those seen in neurodegenerative diseases.

But the damage doesn’t stop there. Chronic anxiety can also trigger neuroinflammation, the process by which the brain’s immune system begins attacking its own cells. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in a wide range of neurological diseases—from Parkinson’s to ALS—raising the stakes for early anxiety treatment.

Can Poor Sleep Be The Silent Aggravator of Neurodegeneration?

Another hidden piece of the puzzle is sleep. The brain’s self-cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system, becomes active primarily during deep sleep. It flushes out toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, the same proteins that clump together to form plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.

Chronic anxiety often disrupts sleep, reducing both its quality and duration. “When deep sleep is compromised, the brain loses its opportunity to detoxify itself,” says Dr. Rao. “This may allow harmful proteins to build up, accelerating cognitive decline.”

What Role Genetics Play For Increased Vulnerability?

While not everyone with anxiety will develop a neurodegenerative disease, some individuals may be more biologically susceptible than others. Genetics appears to play a role—especially in people who have both anxiety-prone temperaments and gene variants that affect stress response and neural resilience.

These individuals may have a double disadvantage, they’re more likely to experience anxiety, and their brains may be less equipped to handle the long-term effects of that stress. Early screening and intervention in such high-risk populations could be crucial in delaying or preventing serious brain-related illnesses.

Is Anxiety in Older Adults An Overlooked Danger?

One of the most concerning aspects of this connection is how frequently anxiety is underdiagnosed in older adults. Symptoms like restlessness, irritability or sleep problems are often written off as “normal aging” especially when there’s no obvious cause.

This is a missed opportunity, says Dr. Rao. “Anxiety in the elderly shouldn’t be dismissed—it may be a modifiable risk factor for neurodegeneration. By treating it proactively, we’re not only improving emotional wellbeing but potentially preserving cognitive function.”

What This Means for People With Anxiety?

Treating anxiety isn’t just about feeling better in the moment—it could be a long-term investment in your brain health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, and even certain medications can all help manage anxiety. But more importantly, they may help protect the brain from premature decline.

“It’s time we stop thinking of anxiety as just an emotional burden,” Dr. Rao says. “The brain and body are intimately connected. Supporting mental health is supporting brain health—and ultimately, whole-body health.”

As neuroscience continues to evolve, one truth is becoming clear: our emotional health is not separate from our physical wellbeing. Chronic anxiety, if left unchecked, may do more than drain your energy or mood. It may slowly erode the very structure of your brain.

The next time you’re tempted to push anxiety to the side or power through it, remember this—the mind can break the body. But with the right care, attention, and treatment, it can also be the first line of defense in protecting your most vital organ: your brain.

We often think of sleep as just giving rest to the body and mind, but for children, it is anything but passive. Behind closed eyelids, their brains are buzzing with essential activity like building memories, managing emotions, and growing in every sense of the word. On World Brain Day, we turned to experts to know if sleep is really the ultimate secret sauce for a child’s brain and body development.

What Happens in a Child’s Brain While They Sleep?

“Sleep is not merely a time of rest for children,” explains Dr. Puja Kapoor, paediatric neurologist and co-founder of Continua Kids. “It is a critical period during which their brain grows, repairs, and develops.” She says that while it may seem like kids are just recharging, what actually unfolds is a complex neurological process.

When we sleep, our brain processes and stores everything we have done during the day as memory. "If we do not sleep well, our experiences do not consolidate into memory, and children may experience brain fog, irritability, and reduced learning capacity," she explains.

According to her, this reformatting helps the brain function better the next day. “Without this rest, children may become anxious, irritable, and less capable of absorbing new information or coping with day-to-day tasks,” she adds.

Spot the Signs: Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

Dr. Kapoor lists the tell-tale signs of sleep deprivation: poor attention, emotional instability, hyperactivity, and trouble understanding or following instructions. And it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. “Newborns require around 16–18 hours of sleep; toddlers between 10–11 hours plus an afternoon nap; and older children around 8–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep,” she advises. For children under five, afternoon naps are essential for brain development.

Beware the Bright Screens and Late Meals

Modern habits can sabotage this much-needed rest. “Please end the use of TV or mobile phones at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime,” warns Dr. Kapoor. “The light emitted from screens inhibits melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, from being produced, which disrupts sleep cycles.” She recommends creating a soothing bedtime routine with soft lighting, quiet music, cosy bedding, or even a lukewarm foot bath to help kids transition into sleep mode. And yes, dinner matters too. “Going to bed hungry can further interrupt their sleep,” she says.

Sleep and Brain Growth: The Pulmonologist’s Perspective

Echoing these views is Dr. Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre, Delhi, who adds that the early years are a time of rapid brain development. “During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes new information, and strengthens neural connections,” he says. “It also supports emotional regulation and decision-making skills. Growth hormones essential for physical and neurological development are released during this time.”

Dr. Mittal also points to the long-term risks of poor sleep. “Sleep deprivation in children can result in inattention, memory problems, irritability, and hyperactivity symptoms often mistaken for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” he explains. Ongoing lack of sleep could even reshape areas of the brain responsible for emotional control and academic performance.

Look Out for Red Flags

According to Dr. Mittal, warning signs of sleep deprivation include frequent mood swings, difficulty waking up, daytime sleepiness, or even clumsiness. These could point to not just fatigue but also underlying sleep disorders.

His solution? Structure. “Maintain consistent bedtime and wake-up times even on weekends,” he suggests. The sleep environment should be quiet, cool, and dark and definitely screen-free at least an hour before bed. “Encouraging calming activities like reading or listening to soft music can help signal the body that it is time to wind down,” he adds.

Treat Sleep Like a Daily Vitamin

Both Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Mittal agree that sleep is not just important; it is foundational. It impacts memory, learning, mood, physical growth, and even how well children adapt to their world.

Parents, take note: sleep is not optional. It is as essential as food, love, and education. By making bedtime a calm, screen-free, consistent routine, you are not just giving your child rest; you are investing in their future.

We all enjoy a nice, sweet treat every now and then. However, when we start overindulging in these desserts, that’s when it becomes a problem. It is a fact that sugar plays an important role in our daily intake, along with other whole foods that contain fiber, minerals, antioxidants as well as protein. But a big reason why we must consume it in moderation is because too much sugar can easily mess with your bodily functions.

A recent study, according to the Endocrine Society news release, suggests that even small increases in blood sugar, levels that aren't high enough to be considered diabetes, could negatively impact a man's ability to father children and his sexual function. The research indicates that even these minor elevations in blood sugar are linked to problems with how sperm move and with getting or maintaining an erection.

Blood Sugar's Impact Outweighs Age and Hormones

Surprisingly, this research found that these subtle changes in a man's blood sugar might affect his fertility and sexual health more significantly than the natural decline in hormone levels that comes with getting older. For a long time, it was thought that age and hormone levels were the main drivers of a man's declining sexual health. However, this study suggests that these changes are more closely related to small increases in blood sugar and other body changes tied to metabolism.

Lifestyle Choices Can Help

The good news is that men can take active steps to protect or even improve their reproductive health. Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting appropriate medical care can make a big difference. This means that men have the power to help their bodies stay healthy in ways that support their sexual and reproductive well-being. Simple habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and losing any extra weight can help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

To understand these effects, researchers followed a group of healthy men over several years. The study started in 2014 with 200 men, ranging in age from 18 to 85, and continued to track them until 2020. By the end of the study period, 117 of these men were still participating. During this time, researchers carefully looked at various aspects of the men's health. They examined changes in their sperm quality, hormone levels, ability to have erections, and indicators of their metabolic health. This included checking things like their body fat levels (measured by BMI) and, importantly, their blood sugar levels.

Key Findings

As the years passed, the men's hormone levels and general sperm characteristics mostly stayed within normal ranges. However, a significant finding emerged: sperm movement and erectile function saw a decline in men whose blood sugar levels went up, even if those levels were still below what's considered the diabetes threshold. This threshold is typically measured by a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, with 6.5% being the point for diabetes. The study also observed that while testosterone levels didn't directly affect a man's ability to get an erection, they did seem to influence his reported sexual desire.

The researchers are hopeful that the information from this study will be valuable for doctors and their patients. They believe it can help create effective plans for men to maintain their sexual health. This research shows that it's within our control to support men's sexual and reproductive well-being, even as they age.

It's worth noting that these findings were first shared at a medical conference. Information presented at such meetings is considered early and should be confirmed through publication in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts.