Health Check Why do some people hoard?
Feb 4, 2026
Dr Sarah Barrett, a clinical psychologist who treats hoarding, and Catherine Loveday, a cognitive neuroscience professor, join the conversation. They explore why people cling to possessions and how therapy and memory links shape hoarding. They also discuss mood’s surprising effects on vaccine response, menopause and brain changes, and cognitive perks of active grandparenting.
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Mood Influences Vaccine Response
- Neurofeedback that boosts brain reward-pathway activity enhances antibody response to a Hep B vaccine.
- Catherine Loveday says being in a good mood before vaccination can biologically improve immune responses.
Prepare Your Mood Before Vaccination
- Boost your mood before vaccination by listening to music or bringing a friend to enhance immune response.
- Catherine Loveday suggests simple pre-vaccine mood lifts can meaningfully strengthen immunity.
How Claire's Hoarding Began
- Claire describes that after her divorce she stopped discarding paperwork and possessions and the piles gradually built up over decades.
- She says the clutter began during financial and parenting pressures and later worsened into shame and isolation.
