Science

Research on dementia prevention has pointed to possible benefits from adult vaccination, but on social media, one study that failed to reaffirm those findings is being misrepresented to claim shots against influenza and pneumonia dramatically increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The paper’s lead author told AFP that despite its unexpected results, the study in no way proved a causal link between vaccination and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Research shows that eating nutritious meals helps the brain function optimally, but numerous social media posts are claiming that avoiding gluten, dairy, corn and soy can eradicate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Experts said these claims are not backed by robust research, cautioning against strict elimination diets for children.

Whopping cough cases in the United States reached levels in 2025 far higher than before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. But social media posts recommending hydrogen peroxide as a remedy are misguided; the illness can be prevented with vaccination and fought with antibiotics, experts said, while the liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen is an unproven and potentially dangerous treatment.