When your child struggles to concentrate in class, forgets what they just learned, or seems constantly tired and irritable, you might think they're lazy, not trying hard enough, or simply "not academic." But what if the real culprit is something living inside them—something as simple to treat as a single dose of medicine?
Intestinal worms affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide, and Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of helminth (worm) infections in children. What most parents don't realize is that these parasites don't just cause stomach aches—they directly impact your child's brain development, cognitive function, and academic performance.At Mindspace, we believe in addressing the whole child—mind AND body. This National Deworming Week, let's explore the surprising connection between worms and your child's mental potential.
National Deworming Week 2025: Key Information
Important Dates
| Cycle | Dates | Target Age |
|---|---|---|
| First Cycle | August 2025 | Children 5-16 years |
| Second Cycle | October 2025 | Children 5-16 years |
Where to Get Deworming Medicine
- Schools — Teachers administer during Deworming Week- Health centers — Community clinics, Upazila Health Complex- Hospitals — Government and private facilities- Pharmacies — Available over-the-counter (but consult a doctor for dosage)
Recommended Dosage (Albendazole)
| Age | Dosage |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 200mg (half tablet) |
| 2+ years | 400mg (one tablet) |
The Hidden Enemy: How Worms Affect Children
Types of Worms Common in Bangladesh
- Roundworm (Ascaris) — Most common; can grow up to 35cm- Hookworm — Attaches to intestinal wall, causes blood loss- Whipworm (Trichuris) — Lives in large intestine- Pinworm — Common in children, causes itching
How Children Get Infected
- Contaminated soil — Playing barefoot- Unwashed vegetables — Eating raw produce- Poor sanitation — Open defecation areas- Contaminated water — Drinking or bathing- Hand-to-mouth — Not washing hands before eating
Physical Symptoms
- Stomach pain and bloating- Diarrhea or constipation- Loss of appetite or increased appetite with no weight gain- Visible worms in stool- Itching (especially at night for pinworms)- Fatigue and weakness- Anemia (pale skin, weakness)
The Brain-Worm Connection: What Research Shows
Here's where it gets concerning for every parent who cares about their child's education and future:
How Worms Impair Cognitive Development
1. Nutrient TheftWorms literally steal nutrition from your child:
- Hookworms cause blood loss → Iron deficiency → Anemia- Roundworms consume nutrients before your child can absorb them- Result: The brain is starved of essential nutrients for development
2. Inflammation and Immune Response- Chronic infection causes ongoing inflammation- Immune system diverts energy from growth and development- Brain development is compromised during critical years
3. Anemia and Oxygen Deprivation- Worm-related anemia reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood- The brain needs 20% of body's oxygen- Less oxygen = impaired cognitive function
4. Fatigue and Energy Drain- Fighting infection exhausts the body- Less energy available for learning and concentration- Child appears lazy or unmotivated
The Research Evidence
Harvard/Berkeley Long-Term Studies
Groundbreaking research from Harvard and UC Berkeley followed dewormed children for decades and found remarkable results:
Key Findings:- Children who received deworming treatment showed 25% improvement in school attendance- Test scores improved significantly compared to untreated children- Long-term economic benefits: Adults who were dewormed as children earned 20-29% higher wages- Educational attainment increased—more years of schooling completed
"Deworming may be the most cost-effective way to increase school attendance in developing countries." — World Bank research
What This Means for Your Child
| Without Deworming | With Deworming |
|---|---|
| Poor concentration | Improved focus |
| Low energy in class | Active participation |
| Missed school days | Better attendance |
| Lower grades | Improved performance |
| Reduced future earnings | Greater economic potential |
Cognitive Functions Affected by Worm Infections
Memory:- Short-term memory impairment- Difficulty remembering lessons- Forgetting instructionsAttention:- Inability to focus in class- Easy distraction- Appearing "dreamy" or disengagedProcessing Speed:- Slower thinking- Takes longer to understand concepts- Difficulty with timed testsExecutive Function:- Poor planning and organization- Difficulty following multi-step instructions- Impulsive behaviorSigns Your Child Might Have Worms (Beyond Stomach Issues)
Look for these cognitive and behavioral signs:
In School
- Declining grades without obvious explanation- Difficulty concentrating — Teachers report daydreaming- Forgetting lessons learned recently- Slow to complete work — Not keeping up with peers- Frequently absent — Due to stomach complaints
At Home
- Irritability and mood changes- Fatigue — Always tired, even after sleep- Poor appetite or eating a lot but staying thin- Restless sleep — Especially with itching- Craving unusual foods (pica) — Like dirt or chalk
Physical Signs
- Pale skin — Sign of anemia- Brittle nails- Dark circles under eyes- Distended belly with thin limbs- Stunted growth — Shorter than peers
The Mental Health Connection
At Mindspace, we see the intersection of physical and mental health daily. Worm infections don't just affect cognition—they impact emotional wellbeing:
How Worms Affect Mental Health
Depression-Like Symptoms:- Low energy and motivation- Withdrawal from activities- Persistent fatigue- Poor concentrationAnxiety-Related Issues:- Irritability- Sleep disturbances- Physical discomfort causing distressBehavioral Problems:- Acting out due to discomfort- Difficulty regulating emotions- Social withdrawalSelf-Esteem:- Poor academic performance → feeling "stupid"- Physical symptoms → embarrassment- Falling behind peers → social isolationBreaking the Cycle
A child who is dewormed often shows rapid improvement in:- Energy levels- Mood stability- Social engagement- Academic confidence
Sometimes what looks like a mental health issue is actually a parasitic infection.National Deworming Week: What Parents Should Do
Before Deworming Day
On Deworming Day
- Medicine is given at school by trained teachers- Children should chew tablets properly- Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water- Minor side effects (stomach discomfort, headache) are normal and temporary
After Deworming
Within 24-72 hours:- Child may pass worms in stool — This is normal- May experience mild stomach cramps- Ensure proper hygiene when using bathroomLong-term:- Repeat deworming every 6 months (twice a year)- Don't skip the second cycle- Continue preventive measuresPrevention: Keeping Worms Away
Deworming treats current infection, but prevention stops reinfection:
Hygiene Practices
| Practice | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Handwashing with soap | Kills eggs on hands |
| Wearing shoes outside | Prevents hookworm entry through feet |
| Clean drinking water | Avoids contaminated sources |
| Washing vegetables | Removes eggs from produce |
| Proper toilet use | Breaks transmission cycle |
| Trimming nails | Eggs hide under long nails |
For Schools
- Clean toilet facilities- Handwashing stations with soap- Safe drinking water- Regular deworming participation
For Communities
- Improved sanitation infrastructure- Health education programs- Access to clean water- Regular deworming campaigns
Common Myths About Deworming
Myth 1: "My child doesn't have worms because we're clean"
Reality: Worms are everywhere in the environment. Even children from hygienic homes get infected through soil, water, and food.Myth 2: "Deworming medicine is harmful"
Reality: Albendazole and mebendazole are among the safest medicines available. Billions of doses have been given worldwide.Myth 3: "My child doesn't have symptoms, so no worms"
Reality: Many worm infections are asymptomatic or have subtle symptoms. The cognitive effects can occur without obvious signs.Myth 4: "One dose is enough forever"
Reality: Children get reinfected regularly. Deworming should be done twice a year to maintain benefits.Myth 5: "Only poor children get worms"
Reality: Worm infections don't discriminate by income. Environmental exposure affects children across all socioeconomic levels.When to See a Doctor
While National Deworming Week handles routine deworming, see a doctor if:
- Severe symptoms — Persistent pain, vomiting, bloody stool- Visible worms in large quantities- Allergic reaction to deworming medicine- No improvement after treatment- Suspected heavy infection — Severe anemia, malnutrition- Child under 1 year — Needs medical guidance for dosing
The Bigger Picture: Investing in Your Child's Future
Deworming is one of the most cost-effective interventions for child development:
Return on Investment
- Cost: A few taka for a tablet- Return: Potentially thousands of taka in future earnings- One of the highest-impact public health interventions available
What You're Really Giving Your Child
When you ensure your child is dewormed, you're giving them:
- Better brain development during critical years- Improved school performance and opportunities- More energy to learn, play, and grow- Protection from anemia and malnutrition- A foundation for future success
Mindspace: Whole-Child Mental Health
At Mindspace, we understand that mental health isn't separate from physical health. A child struggling in school might need:
- Deworming (if they haven't been treated)- Nutritional support- Mental health assessment- Learning support- Or a combination of all
Our Approach
We look at the whole picture:- Physical health factors affecting cognition- Environmental factors affecting development- Emotional factors affecting performance- Family factors affecting wellbeing
When to Consult Mindspace
If your child has been dewormed and still struggles with:- Concentration and attention- Mood and behavior issues- Learning difficulties- School refusal or anxiety- Low self-esteem
We can help determine if there are other factors at play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults take deworming medicine too?
Yes! Adults can also be infected and benefit from deworming. It's recommended for the whole family.Will deworming definitely improve my child's grades?
If worms were affecting your child, you should see improvement in energy, concentration, and potentially grades. Other factors also affect school performance.My child hates taking tablets. What can I do?
Albendazole tablets are chewable and have a pleasant taste. For very young children, tablets can be crushed and mixed with food.How soon will I see improvement after deworming?
Energy levels may improve within days. Cognitive benefits continue to develop over weeks as nutrition absorption improves.Mark Your Calendar
National Deworming Week 2025:- First Cycle: August 2025- Second Cycle: October 2025Don't let your child miss out. A single tablet can change their future.At Mindspace, we believe every child deserves the best start—physically and mentally. If you're concerned about your child's development, concentration, or wellbeing, reach out to us.Healthy body. Healthy mind. Brighter future.