A growing body of scientific research is shedding new light on the powerful ways that regular exercise can protect the brain as people age, supporting sharper thinking and potentially lowering the risk of dementia. The latest review, published in The Lancet, details multiple neuroprotective mechanisms by which physical activity benefits the ageing brain, amplifying longstanding calls for Thais—and people worldwide—to prioritise fitness for lifelong cognitive health The Lancet.
This news carries significant implications for Thailand’s rapidly ageing society. With more than 15% of the population now over 60, the Kingdom faces surging rates of dementia and related disorders, making brain health a national priority. While genetics and other factors do play a role, the new review points out that lifestyle interventions like exercise remain among the most accessible and cost-effective measures to promote cognitive resilience in later years.
According to the new research, exercise triggers an impressive range of neuroprotective effects—from stimulating the growth of new brain cells to strengthening connections between neurons through increased levels of so-called “neurotrophic factors” such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Physical activity also improves cardiovascular health, which is closely connected to brain function, and reduces inflammation—an underlying driver of many neurological diseases. Furthermore, the review discusses how regular exercise helps regulate sugar metabolism and blood pressure, both of which are linked to cognitive performance and dementia risk. These mechanisms together help delay or even prevent the onset of memory loss and other symptoms of brain ageing.
“The evidence is overwhelming that staying active throughout life is one of the most effective strategies to keep the brain healthy,” says a neurologist and brain science researcher affiliated with a leading medical university, quoted in similar recent reviews Nature Reviews Neuroscience. The expert adds, “It’s never too late to start—people in midlife and old age can still reap significant benefits.”
For Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common due to urbanisation and screen time, the findings serve as a wake-up call. Recent national health surveys indicate that only about one-third of Thai adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines, often due to long working hours or lack of access to fitness facilities Thai Ministry of Public Health. The risk is particularly acute in urban areas like Bangkok, where green space is limited.
Traditional Thai activities such as communal dancing, Muay Thai, and daily temple walks have long provided brain-boosting exercise, but these practices are less common among younger generations. Integrating modern fitness habits—like cycling, yoga, or even regular brisk walking—could offer similar protective benefits. Experts emphasise that the intensity and type of exercise can vary; the most important factor is consistency, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week based on World Health Organization recommendations WHO Physical Activity Guidelines.
The significance of this research is underscored by Thailand’s demographic shift. By 2030, nearly one in five Thais will be over 60, with a projected doubling of dementia cases by 2050 if current trends persist Alzheimer’s Disease International. The psychological and financial toll, both on families and the health system, is immense.
Education and public health leaders now urge greater investment in community exercise programs, especially for elders. A representative from the Thai Department of Health Promotion notes, “We must make it easier for seniors to be active—subsidised classes, safer parks, and outreach in local communities are just some of the strategies that could make a difference.” Initiatives such as “Exercise for All Ages” and partnerships between hospitals and temples have shown early promise but require scaling up.
Globally, the Lancet review situates regular exercise as an essential pillar of dementia prevention, alongside managing heart health, controlling blood sugar, and engaging in social and mental stimulation. The authors call for governments and health systems to prioritise physical activity as a matter of public policy, not only an individual choice.
Despite overwhelming evidence, barriers persist—not just in urban Thailand, but also in rural communities where manual labour is declining and access to structured exercise is limited. Social stigma, particularly for women and elders, can also discourage participation.
For Thai families, the takeaway is clear: routine exercise should be woven into daily life from a young age and maintained into the golden years. This could mean group aerobics at local health centres, afternoon bike rides with grandchildren, or even ten-minute “movement breaks” during the workday. Educational institutions can also play a pivotal role by integrating physical activity into lesson plans and after-school programs.
Looking ahead, researchers highlight exciting frontiers—such as precisely studying which types of exercise are best for specific brain regions or how the brain–body link operates at the cellular level. The Thai neuroscience community is already contributing to these efforts, with local universities joining international collaborations to track exercise and brain health over time.
For now, the clearest guidance for Thai readers comes not from a laboratory but from daily practice: embrace any movement you enjoy, do it with friends or family, and repeat, no matter your age. By making exercise a priority, Thais cannot only lengthen their lives but also enrich the quality of their mental wellbeing in the years to come.
For more information, visit The Lancet article abstract, the WHO Physical Activity Guidelines, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health.