Health
Parents trust AI for medical advice more than doctors, researchers find
Artificial intelligence is gaining more of parents’ trust than actual doctors.
That’s according to a new study from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute, which found that parents seeking information on their children’s health are turning to AI more than human health care professionals.
The research, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, also revealed that parents rate AI-generated text as “credible, moral and trustworthy.”
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More than 100 parents ranging from 18 to 65 years old were asked to rate text generated by either a human doctor or ChatGPT (the AI chatbot made by OpenAI) under the supervision of an expert.
The study concluded that ChatGPT is “capable of impacting behavioral intentions for medication, sleep and diet decision-making.”
“We’re concerned that people may increasingly rely on AI for health advice without proper expert oversight,” the lead study author wrote in a press release. (iStock)
There was also “little distinction” between ChatGPT and the experts on benchmarks of perceived morality, trustworthiness, expertise, accuracy and reliance, the study found.
But when differences were seen, ChatGPT’s responses were rated higher in trustworthiness and accuracy, with participants saying they would be more likely to rely on the chatbot’s information.
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Lead study author Calissa Leslie-Miller, a doctoral student in clinical child psychology at the University of Kansas, noted that the research began right after the launch of ChatGPT.
“We had concerns about how parents would use this new, easy method to gather health information for their children,” she wrote in a press release.
“Parents often turn to the internet for advice, so we wanted to understand what using ChatGPT would look like and what we should be worried about.”
Study participants said they would be more likely to rely on ChatGPT for answers on their children’s health. (Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Leslie-Miller said the results were surprising to the researchers, as it was early on in ChatGPT’s availability.
“We’re starting to see that AI is being integrated in ways that may not be immediately obvious, and people may not even recognize when they’re reading AI-generated text versus expert content,” she noted.
Although ChatGPT can “work well in many cases,” the AI model “isn’t an expert” and can still generate wrong information, the researcher cautioned.
“People may not even recognize when they’re reading AI-generated text versus expert content.”
“In children’s health, where the consequences can be significant, it’s crucial that we address this issue,” she said.
“We’re concerned that people may increasingly rely on AI for health advice without proper expert oversight.”
Leslie-Miller suggested that AI users be cautious of chatbot-provided information, and that they should only rely on information that’s “consistent with expertise that comes from a non-generative AI source.”
A researcher advised parents to only rely on information that’s “consistent with expertise that comes from a non-generative AI source.” (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and AI expert in Texas, told Fox News Digital that he understands why parents might turn to tools like ChatGPT for “quick health care advice,” as the technology has become “increasingly woven into our lives.”
“The immediacy and convenience of AI can be incredibly appealing, especially for busy parents seeking answers at all hours.”
“The immediacy and convenience of AI can be incredibly appealing, especially for busy parents seeking answers at all hours,” he said.
Castro agreed with the researchers that combining human expertise and AI is “far more effective” than relying on unsupervised AI, especially when it comes to children’s health.
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“AI can provide valuable preliminary information, but it cannot fully grasp a child’s unique medical history, subtle symptoms, and nuances from years of specialized training,” he noted.
“This is where the human element is irreplaceable — involving a qualified health care professional, specifically a pediatrician, ensures that the information is accurate, personalized and safe,” Castro went on. “It’s crucial to keep the right human in the loop.”
“The human element is irreplaceable — involving a qualified health care professional, specifically a pediatrician, ensures that the information is accurate, personalized and safe,” a doctor said. (iStock)
Castro added that a pediatrician can interpret AI-generated information on children’s health and make “informed decisions” that AI cannot.
The expert encouraged parents to use AI tools as a starting point when looking for answers about their children’s health, but to then “always consult with a pediatrician.”
By combining the two, Castro said, health care professionals can “enhance the quality of care, catching nuances that might be missed otherwise.”
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“Together, we can leverage technology to provide faster, more efficient care without sacrificing the personal touch and critical thinking that only humans can offer.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.
Health
Katie Couric couldn’t remember the year or the president during frightening brain episode
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Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27.
In a post on Substack titled “The Day I’ll Never Remember,” she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president.
“I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president,” she wrote.
ONE WALKING HABIT COULD SIGNAL A HEALTHIER BRAIN AFTER 80, SCIENTISTS SAY
The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all.
“I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended,” she said.
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27. (Getty Images)
John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account.
After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. “I could tell something was off,” he wrote. “It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there.”
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At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke.
An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but “Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent,” Molner wrote.
John Molner, Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels, also shared his account. (Getty Images)
“She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’”
Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic.
“The cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself.”
It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours.
“[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience,” Molner said.
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Couric said she finally began feeling “like herself” again around 9 p.m. and went to sleep at 2 a.m.
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.”
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.” (Getty Images)
Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk.
The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a “temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories,” Couric shared.
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“Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels.”
Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say.
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Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later.
“Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself,” Couric wrote.
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise. (iStock)
“All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’”
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“While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me.”
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise.
Health
One walking habit could signal a healthier brain after 80, scientists say
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Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers.
That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years.
Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger.
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The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16.
Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers. (iStock)
“The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected,” lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. “This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience.”
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The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers.
In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated.
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“This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes,” he said. “Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging.”
As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted.
Super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed. (iStock)
“Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes,” Verghese said.
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This study adds to growing evidence that what’s good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that “staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging.”
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment.”
“The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age,” Verghese said. “Walking is an easy step-up point because you don’t need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend.”
Any activity is beneficial if it’s done regularly and with the right intensity, he added.
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Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health.
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment,” Verghese noted.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking. (iStock)
This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day.
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“You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions,” Verghese advised. “So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise.” The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace.
“And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important.”
Health
I Tried the Viral Gelatin Weight-Loss Recipe—Here’s My Honest Take
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