Fasting may reset your body, but can it reset your mind? The new trend of dopamine fasting claims it can. And wait, there's more. This trend also works against dopamine resistance, implying that things that did not make you happier before will now do. You see, dopamine is a part of the brain's reward system and plays an important role in your pleasure reception. While this neurotransmitter is not directly linked to an individual's happiness, it triggers feelings of satisfaction, motivation and pleasure.

However, a person can also reach a stage of dopamine resistance if they continue to indulge in activities that trigger its frequent or constant release. In this case, the individual stops feeling the impact of this neurotransmitter and thus, does feel good or happy.

So does dopamine fasting work?

Dopamine fasting is a practice where individuals limit their exposure to activities or stimuli that typically provide a surge of dopamine. The idea behind dopamine fasting is to reset or recalibrate the brain's reward system. This is usually done by abstaining from gratifying things or experiences like social media, junk food, and even sex. Proponents of dopamine fasting argue that continual overstimulation from digital devices, social media, and easily accessible indulgences has numbed our brain's reward pathways. By regularly denying ourselves these dopamine triggers, the idea claims, we might restore our ability to acquire fulfilment from life's basic pleasures.

How Does Dopamine Imbalance Affect Your Mental Health?

Having low levels of dopamine can make you less motivated and excited about things. In Parkinson's disease, there is not enough dopamine in the areas of the brain important for movement. This leads to problems with muscle stiffness and movements such as walking.

The symptoms of a dopamine imbalance depend on what is causing the problem. They include physical symptoms such as:

• muscle cramps, spasms or stiffness
• digestion problems, such as constipation or reflux
• pneumonia
• trouble sleeping
• moving or speaking more slowly than usual

• feeling tired and unmotivated, or sad and lacking hope
• having low libido (sex drive)
• hallucinations (experiencing something that's not real)

How Can I Adjust My Dopamine Levels?

Adjusting dopamine levels is complicated, as it is involved in many different roles in the brain. Your doctor won't measure your dopamine levels directly, and there is no simple test to measure it. Your symptoms will be the clues that tell your doctor if you have too much or not enough dopamine. They will then prescribe medicines to adjust your dopamine level, based on your symptoms, and make adjustments based on how your body responds and how you feel.

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Climate change is increasingly affecting human health, with the skin potentially among the first organs to show its effects, according to a new international study.

The analysis of 136 countries found that 42.6% reported climate-related changes in the prevalence, severity or both of skin diseases.

Presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2026, the study found that lower-income countries reported a greater burden.

Lower-Income Countries Report Greater Impact

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More than half of low-income countries (55.6%) and lower-middle-income countries (52.5%) reported climate-related changes in skin disease.

This compared with 43.8% of upper-middle-income and 28.3% of high-income countries.

Regional differences were also substantial:

• Western Pacific: 64.7%
• Eastern Mediterranean: 60%
• South-East Asia: 60%
• Europe: 16.1%

In Africa, 42.9% of respondents were unsure about climate change's impact on skin disease, suggesting gaps in surveillance and evidence.

Heat Rashes, Inflammatory Skin Diseases Rising

Among the 58 countries reporting climate-related effects, the most commonly reported changes included:

• Heat rashes: 81%
• Inflammatory skin diseases: 75.9%
• Infectious skin diseases: 62.1%
• Vector-borne diseases: 50%

“The most important finding from our study is that climate change is already associated with negative impacts on skin disease, and these effects disproportionately burden lower-income settings,” said Dr. Esther Freeman, study author and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

How Climate Change Affects Skin

Read More: World Environment Day 2026: How Climate Change Is Increasing the Global Disease Burden | Explained

Rising temperatures, humidity, changing rainfall, air pollution and other environmental exposures can influence both the onset and severity of skin conditions.

Freeman said higher temperatures and humidity can increase sweating and skin irritation, while heat and air pollution may trigger or worsen inflammation.

“Shifts in temperature and rainfall can also affect the habitats of mosquitoes, ticks and other disease vectors, potentially allowing them to survive in places where they were previously uncommon,” she added.

Why Lower-Income Countries Face Greater Risks

The findings point to a wider climate-health disparity. Countries with fewer resources reported more climate-related changes in skin disease, despite generally contributing less to climate change.

These countries may also have fewer resources for disease surveillance, healthcare and climate adaptation.

The researchers called for stronger monitoring, greater awareness among healthcare professionals and locally tailored strategies.

Extreme Weather Can Trigger Skin Problems

The skin is constantly exposed to environmental conditions, making it particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events like flooding, wildfire smoke, etc.

• Flooding: It can increase traumatic injuries and bacterial or fungal infections, while contaminated water can trigger contact dermatitis.
• Wildfire smoke: Smoke and air pollution can worsen skin inflammation, including eczema.
• Heat waves: Prolonged exposure can aggravate inflammatory skin conditions and, in severe cases, contribute to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Hot and humid weather: These conditions may increase some bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

As climate patterns change, the researchers said stronger surveillance and greater awareness of these emerging skin-health risks will be increasingly important.

Freeman stressed the need “to start treating skin health as part of climate-health preparedness.”

Key priorities include:

• Strengthening surveillance
• Improving climate-health education
• Developing locally relevant adaptation strategies
• Accounting for differences in healthcare resources.

Diabetes at 35 and diabetes at 60 are not the same. As we grow older, the way diabetes presents, the complications we worry about and even the way we treat it can change. This is why diabetes care after 60 needs to look beyond a single blood test.

HbA1c remains an important measure of average blood sugar over the previous few months. But for an older adult, it cannot be the only measure of good diabetes care.

Diabetes Symptoms Can Be Silent in Older Adults

One of the challenges with diabetes in older people is that symptoms may not always be obvious. A person may not experience the typical excessive thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss, even when blood sugar levels are high.

At the same time, older adults can be more vulnerable to diabetes-related complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Vision problems are particularly important because loss of vision can directly affect mobility, confidence and independence.

This makes regular screening essential, even when a person feels completely well.

The Same HbA1c Target Does Not Suit Everyone

There is no single HbA1c cut-off that is appropriate for every older adult. Treatment goals need to consider age, overall health, cognitive function, physical function, existing complications and the person's ability to manage treatment independently. Current diabetes standards specifically recommend individualising glycaemic goals in older adults.

For example, a healthy 65-year-old who is active and independent may have very different treatment goals from an 80-year-old who is frail, has multiple medical conditions or needs help with daily activities.

The goal should be good blood sugar control without causing unnecessary harm, particularly hypoglycaemia.

Treatment After 60 May Need to Be Different

As people age, kidney function can change, meals may become irregular and multiple medicines may be prescribed for different conditions. These factors can increase the risk of low blood sugar and make complex treatment plans harder to follow.

Therefore, doctors may need to review medicines regularly and simplify treatment when appropriate. The focus should be on finding a treatment plan that is effective, safe and practical for that individual.

Look Beyond Blood Sugar

A comprehensive diabetes review in an older adult should also consider:

• Eye and retinal health
• Kidney function
• Blood pressure and cholesterol
• Foot and nerve health
• Risk of hypoglycaemia
• Nutrition and unintended weight loss
• Muscle strength and mobility
• Memory and cognitive function
• Risk of falls
• Ability to take medicines and manage diabetes independently

The aim is not simply to produce a better HbA1c report. It is to prevent complications while helping the person remain active and independent.

Nutrition and Exercise Should Protect Independence

Older adults with diabetes need adequate nutrition, particularly protein and other nutrients needed to maintain muscle mass. Excessive dietary restriction can sometimes do more harm than good.

Physical activity is equally important. Walking, strength exercises and balance activities, when medically appropriate, can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of losing independence.

Growing Older Well With Diabetes

Diabetes management after 60 should be personalised and regularly reassessed. What is appropriate at 60 may not be appropriate at 75 or 85.

As we mark the International Day of Older Persons, the message is simple: living well with diabetes in later life is about much more than achieving a particular HbA1c.

We need to treat the person, not just the number — protecting their health, safety, dignity and independence as they grow older.

By Dr. Uthra S, Senior Consultant, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre

Changes in voice pitch, volume or clarity in older adults could be an early warning sign of cognitive decline, according to a new analysis.

The study, published in the Journal of Voice, found that older adults who experienced a decline in voice quality had a higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those without a voice disorder.

Voice Disorders And Higher Dementia Risk

The study tracked the health of more than 833,000 older Americans. Researchers found that people with a voice disorder had a 58% higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those without voice problems.

The risk was even higher among people who had both a voice disorder and hearing loss, a well-recognized risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Who Should Worry?

Also read: Brain Health After 40: How Diabetes, Menopause And Early Detection Affect Dementia Risk | World Alzheimer’s Day

A brief episode of hoarseness does not mean that a person is developing dementia.

However, persistent or noticeable changes in the voice, particularly when accompanied by hearing loss, may warrant a medical evaluation and, where appropriate, an assessment of cognitive health.

“We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss,” said study author Dr. Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.

“Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only. It may be valuable for many of these patients to talk with an otolaryngologist who can arrange a cognitive assessment to help patients develop an appropriate care plan.”

Why Voice Changes Can Signal Cognitive Decline?

Read More: Muscle Loss In Middle Age May Signal Dementia Risk, Study Finds

The researchers speculate that voice disorders may contribute to cognitive decline by limiting social interaction, which can also be affected by hearing loss.

People who have difficulty speaking or hearing may avoid social gatherings or group activities because they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about their limitations. However, social engagement can help keep the ageing brain active by providing ongoing mental stimulation.

“If you have a voice disorder that impacts how your voice sounds or if it’s painful when you attempt to talk or sing, it’s only natural to participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities,” Dr. Sataloff said.

Speaking less may mean less social and cognitive stimulation, which could potentially contribute to dementia risk. However, the researchers also noted another possibility: changes in the brain associated with dementia could themselves contribute to voice problems. However, this has not been directly studied.

Voice Problems Can Have Treatable Causes

Most people with voice disorders will not go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Voice changes can have several other causes, including thyroid problems and cysts on the vocal cords, some of which can be treated effectively.

Speech therapists can also help people with impaired speech communicate more effectively and confidently.

Seeking medical attention for persistent voice changes can therefore help identify treatable causes and determine whether further evaluation, including a cognitive assessment, is needed.