Study finds that simply taking a “medicine-like thing” known to be fake improves memory and relieves stress in older adults

A study of healthy adults aged 65 to 90 compared no treatment, a standard placebo, and an open-label placebo that was disclosed as fake.

The open-label placebo group showed reduced stress and improved short-term memory.

The findings suggest that even when people know a pill is inactive, it may still produce psychological and cognitive benefits.

Because it is low-cost and low-risk, the approach could be useful in older adult care.