As you grow old, your health starts to deteriorate. Everything, whether it is your mental health or your physical health, starts to slow down. However, with age, your mental health gets overshadowed by your physical health.

Signs You Should Note

If you note these signs in your ageing parents or grandparents, take note of it. Try to get involved with them. It is also important to ensure that they have a separate social circle apart from the family. This way, they can have friends who they can also relate to.

With age, suggests Sinha, you are more prone to be depressed, and anxious. “Mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorders are not something that happens when you grow older. You may have been living with these for the last 40 years, but the management differs, she suggests.

As you grow old, your symptoms start to overlap with other mental health conditions. For the proper treatment professionals use differential diagnosis, suggests Sinha. “The lines become blurred and to differentiate the symptoms from one mental health condition to another becomes difficult,” she says.

Preventive Measures

There are also food habits like eating leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, virgin coconut and beans that help with brain functions.

Sinha suggests that keeping a social circle and continuing your hobbies can help your mind stay healthy. “Men especially face this issue, after they retire, they feel like they are at the loss of authority, and they start to lose control. It is thus important to keep doing things and learning a new skill to keep your brain active. While for women, since they continue taking care of the house, their brain stays active,” she says.

Cognitive stimulation is the key, especially to managing dementia, she notes.

“Just with weight training, you push your body and after a while, it becomes your muscle memory. Same with the brain. However, one should not get into solving too many puzzles, or trivia after being diagnosed with dementia. Because that would mean you are making your already injured brain exercise which might lead to agitation,” she recommends.

How to support?

“The most important part is for the caregiver to understand what is happening and come to terms with the conditions. Because the elderly with cognitive conditions are not able to understand, they cannot be told or instructed to do anything. Thus, the responsibility is solely on the caregiver,” points out Sinha.

So, what can be done?

Awareness

Reach out to therapists and counsellors to know the ways to create such a healthy environment.

Be Patient

She suggests adopting the same approach that you do with kids and with your pets. This is when you focus on gestures, body language and mood over language. Due to cognitive disorders, parents experience a loss of language and the only way to communicate and to understand what they are communicating is through these means.

Be Empathetic

Create a healthy environment by agreeing with them and listening to their stories. The responsibility of creating a safe environment is totally with you.

There might be times when your parents may do socially unacceptable or non-compliance behaviour. But it is important to understand the triggers and ensure that the triggers do not occur anymore.

Help Them Stay Fit

From Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) — confused about what the changing terminology means for women’s health and treatment?

What was once seen mainly as a reproductive or ovarian disorder is now being recognized as a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect everything from periods and fertility to weight, insulin resistance, heart health, skin, and mental well-being.

To better understand the distinction between the three, let’s look at how the condition has evolved.

The condition, involving irregular periods, infertility, excess facial hair, and enlarged ovaries containing multiple cysts, was first identified as an ovarian or reproductive disorder in the 1930s by American gynecologists Dr. Irving Stein and Dr. Michael Leventhal. It became known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome.

Over the years, the term PCOD became widely used, especially in countries like India. The name focused mainly on the presence of multiple ovarian cysts seen on ultrasound scans. It was considered a “disease” affecting ovulation and fertility.

Further, in the 1980s and 1990s, experts discovered that the condition involved hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, weight gain, diabetes risk, and heart health concerns, among others.

Because it affected multiple body systems, PCOS became the medically preferred global term. The word “syndrome” was used to describe a group of related symptoms rather than a single disease.

However, many experts argued that the name still overemphasized ovarian cysts and fertility, and in 2012, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially recommended changing the name, saying it was misleading because:

• Not all women with the condition have cysts
• Ovarian cysts alone are not enough for diagnosis
• The name ignores the metabolic and hormonal aspects

In 2026, global experts publishing in The Lancet proposed the new name -- PMOS – for the condition affecting more than 170 million women worldwide.

The new term PMOS acknowledges that the condition involves:

• Endocrine health
• Metabolic health
• Reproductive health
• Dermatological health
• Psychological health.

What Does PMOS Mean?

Also read: PCOS Is Now PMOS: What The Name Change Means For Millions Of Women

The new name aims to explain the condition more accurately and comprehensively.

Polyendocrine means it affects multiple hormones in the body.

Metabolic refers to issues linked to weight, insulin, blood sugar, and heart health.

Ovarian highlights its impact on ovulation and reproductive health.

Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms occurring together.

In simple terms, PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect periods, fertility, skin, mood, weight, and long-term health.

What The Name Change Means For Women

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Monika Bhatia Director — Obstetrics & Gynaecology Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, said that the earlier name was misleading because the "cysts" in PCOS are not real cysts — they are simply small, arrested follicles.

While the name has changed, the message remains the same.

“Behind every diagnosis is a woman trying to understand her body, hormones, emotions, and health. While this condition may affect periods, fertility, metabolism, skin, weight, or mental well-being differently, one thing remains common — it is manageable with the right guidance,” she said.

The core treatment stays the same as the guidelines for treatment have not changed, but the approach becomes wider.

“So instead of just treating the periods, PMOS is now managed as a whole-body condition involving a multidisciplinary team”.

Will there be any change to evaluation?

Dr Muskaan Chhabra, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar, told HealthandMe that the new name –PMOS- correctly acknowledges that this is a multisystem condition involving complex interactions between insulin, androgens, and neuroendocrine hormones.

In PMOS, the ovaries are one of several systems involved rather than the primary site of the problem.

This “opens the door to more comprehensive clinical evaluation, earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and treatment approaches that address the full hormonal and metabolic picture rather than a narrow reproductive one,” Dr Muskaan said. It will also “drive more integrated and personalized care”.

Hantavirus has the potential to linger indoors and spread through contaminated dust, especially in rodent-infested, poorly ventilated spaces, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Vasant C. Nagvekar.

So far, 11 people linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship have been affected. While all passengers have been repatriated and quarantined, the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that additional cases may emerge based on observed symptoms.

Also Read: Hantavirus Cases Climb To 11; WHO Warns Countries Of Further Spread

In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr. Vasant, a Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai, explained how the virus can spread even within indoor environments. He noted that contaminated dust and surfaces are potential sources of transmission, making proper hygiene and preventive measures crucial.

The expert also stated that the Andes strain rarely transmits person-to-person and emphasized the need for global prevention through enhanced surveillance, early detection, vector control, environmental sanitation, and public awareness, particularly amid urbanization, climate change, and ecosystem disruption.

Here are the excerpts from the interview

Q. How Long Does Hantavirus Survive?

Dr. Vasant: Hantavirus does not survive for long outside a host body and is rapidly inactivated by exposure to sunlight, detergents, and drying.

However, in enclosed indoor environments that are cool with temperatures at 4 degrees Celsius or less, poorly ventilated, and contaminated with rodent urine or feces, the virus may remain infectious for several hours or even longer.

Q. Is Hantavirus Airborne?

Dr. Vasant: Yes, the virus can be transmitted indirectly through the air. However, hantavirus does not circulate freely in the air in the same way as influenza or coronavirus during normal social interactions.

It becomes airborne when contaminated rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are disturbed during activities such as sweeping or cleaning. At that point, the virus can be aerosolized and inhaled by people.

Q. How Can Hantavirus Spread Indoors?

Dr. Vasant: Indoor exposure usually takes place in environments where the presence of goes unnoticed – for example, in cabins, storage rooms, warehouses, inside false ceilings, or vacant rooms.

One could be exposed to hantavirus through inhalation of contaminated dust when a room that has not been used for a while is opened or is cleaned without any protective measures.

Also read: Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Help Treat Hantavirus?

The reason why hantavirus exposure is alarming is that it usually takes place during normal activities, which we do without even suspecting anything dangerous.

Q. How Does the Andes Strain of Hantavirus Spread?

Dr. Vasant: The Andes hantavirus stands out because, unlike most other hantaviruses, it exhibits evidence of rare person-to-person transmission, mostly through direct and extended contact between people. As a result, this particular strain is highly interesting for scientists studying infectious diseases around the world and is extensively researched as such. It should be noted, however, that person-to-person transmission is very rare in comparison to respiratory pathogens, such as the influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2.

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

Q. What global strategies are needed to prevent the emergence of new viruses?

Dr. Vasant: What is required from our world in terms of the prevention of new viruses is a globally integrated strategy within the public health sector.

Surveillance systems should become more advanced on community levels, especially when there are high risks of increased contact between humans and animals because of urbanization, climate change, and ecosystem destruction.

Early detection, information exchange at the international level, vector control, environmental sanitation, and public awareness are just as significant. New infection strains cannot remain limited to just being a problem of individual countries.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which today cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 amid allegations of a paper leak, has left thousands of students across the country anxious, frustrated, and emotionally overwhelmed, triggering protests and outrage among students and parents.

According to mental health experts, such uncertainty can deeply affect students who have spent months preparing for the examination, often sacrificing sleep, proper meals, and their social lives. The sudden cancellation of the exam can therefore leave them feeling helpless, uncertain, and emotionally exhausted.

Experts stressed that this setback should not be seen as a personal failure and urged students to remain calm.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Aarti Anand, Senior Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Department of Psychiatry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said feelings of anger, helplessness, disappointment, and anxiety are natural during such situations, especially when the future appears uncertain.

“It is very natural to feel anxious and helpless at this point, but remember that you are not alone in this situation. Thousands of students are going to be affected,” she said.

She also emphasized that students should not assume that their hard work has gone to waste.

NEET-UG 2026: What Is The Controversy All About?

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is India’s primary national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and AYUSH courses in government and private institutions.

The single, standardized offline test for this year was conducted on May 3 for over 22.79 lakh candidates across India and abroad.

“The examination on 3 May 2026 was conducted as scheduled and under a full security protocol,” the NTA said.

However, according to information shared by Rajasthan Police officials, alleged malpractice came to light after certain question sets circulated before the examination reportedly showed similarities with the actual NEET-UG paper.

Also read: Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Help Treat Hantavirus?

Officials probing the matter stated that they recovered a document containing more than 400 questions that had allegedly been circulated days before the exam. Out of these, more than 100 questions from Biology and Chemistry were said to bear “striking similarities” to those that eventually appeared in the examination.

Authorities have described the material as resembling a “guess paper” or coaching-style test series, though investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a larger organized network.

The government has now ordered a comprehensive Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities surrounding the examination.

The NTA has also announced that the medical entrance test will be conducted again on fresh dates to be notified separately, a development that many students feel undermines the time and effort they invested in preparation.

NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: What Effect Can This Have On Students?

Dr. Manisha Arora, Director - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that students can experience palpitations, migraines, insomnia, and constant worry about their rank and future.

“Postponement can feel like an identity suspension. Students start thinking, ‘What if I do not get the same marks next time? What if I have forgotten everything? What if the exam is harder? What if questions come from outside the syllabus?”

“These thoughts are very common. Students can also develop headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, racing heartbeat, panic attacks, binge eating, or even loss of appetite,” Dr. Manisha said, warning parents and guardians to pay close attention to students’ mental well-being.

NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: How Can Students Cope With The Stress?

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

“One important thing for students to understand is that the knowledge they have gained will not go to waste. They will be able to appear for the exam on the next date,” Dr. Aarti said.

She added that students must acknowledge their emotions instead of suppressing them.

“Students should acknowledge their feelings instead of suppressing them. They should use this pause as a way of structuring their life and moving ahead. They should focus on self-care, sleep, food, and hygiene instead of watching media discussions,” she said.

Mental health professionals also advised students to avoid excessive speculation and negative thinking about future examinations. Instead, they recommended maintaining routines, staying connected with family and friends, and continuing preparation steadily.

“I urge all students not to think negatively, overthink, or fuss about what will happen in the next exam. It is very important for students to keep calm and continue their preparation,” she said.

Dr. Aarti further noted that such moments can become a test of emotional strength and resilience for students navigating academic pressure.

“Students should not feel that the cancellation is a failure. It is not a failure,” she added.

Dr. Manisha urged students to build on the preparation they have already done, gradually remove exam fear from their minds, restart calmly, and prepare themselves to appear for the exam again.