By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Mar 30 2026 Taking a placebo, while knowing it’s a placebo, may still ease stress and sharpen memory in older adults, offering a surprising and ethical path to support healthy aging.  Study: Placebo mechanisms in aging: A randomized controlled trial comparing deceptive and open-label placebos on psychological, cognitive, and physical functioning in older adults . Image credit: Lanevskyi/Shutterstock.com A randomized trial in healthy older