New research reveals that even low-intensity exercises such as stretching and gentle movement can meaningfully delay cognitive decline among older adults—including those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The findings, based on the EXERT study, represent the most compelling evidence yet that physical activity of any intensity may help preserve memory and thinking skills, offering vital hope to Thailand’s rapidly aging population and their families (AOL; ScienceDaily; EXERT clinical summary).
With Thailand’s proportion of citizens aged 60 and above projected to reach 28% by 2033 (UN data), the risks posed by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are of mounting national concern. MCI, which affects 10-20% of adults over age 50 globally, is a transitional state marked by mild memory loss—often “under the radar,” making timely intervention difficult (AOL). In Thailand, rising cases of dementia, many progressing from unnoticed MCI, place increasing pressure on families, caregivers, and the public health system (Bangkok Post).
A pair of recent studies published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, led by a professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, meticulously tracked nearly 300 sedentary older adults diagnosed with amnestic MCI. Participants were randomly assigned to either moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) or low-intensity regimes (such as stretching, balance, and range of motion movements) for a period of up to 18 months (EXERT summary; PMC article).
Strikingly, after 12 months, both exercise groups—regardless of exercise intensity—exhibited notably less cognitive decline compared to peers who remained sedentary. Their cognitive abilities, measured via standard tests and memory tasks, remained stable, defying the typical downward trajectory seen in MCI. Imaging conducted as part of the study even indicated less brain shrinkage, especially in the prefrontal cortex, a region critical for planning, attention, and multitasking (ScienceDaily; PMC article).
The principal investigator explained in a Medical News Today interview that “regular high or low intensity exercise may protect against cognitive decline in adults with mild cognitive impairment and thus at risk for dementia.” She emphasized that even those unable to perform vigorous workouts can benefit: “Our findings suggest that any exercise, if completed regularly (three to four times per week for about 30-45 minutes), may be beneficial for brain health” (AOL).
Another key expert, an associate professor at the University of California San Diego’s School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, explained, “The prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain that plays a proportionately larger role in cognitive abilities that allow us to pay attention, multi-task, plan, and organize.” Protection from brain volume loss in this region suggests physical activity could meaningfully impact an elder’s daily independence and quality of life.
Supporting expert views, the senior director of health services research at the Alzheimer’s Association commented, “Scientifically sound studies like these add to our understanding and knowledge of the connection between physical activity and brain health … these new studies are helping with evidence of how this connection may work.” Echoing traditional Thai wisdom that links physical vitality with a sharp mind, health professionals increasingly urge older Thais to embrace daily movement as a key preventative measure.
Thailand’s cultural and familial traditions place high value on caring for elders, yet many families are unaware of early-stage cognitive changes until severe symptoms emerge. The studies acknowledge this challenge, noting that those with amnestic MCI “often do not come to the attention of health care providers and therefore are frequently not referred for preventive interventions until the signs of early dementia emerge.” This highlights the urgent need for nationwide public health campaigns and community-based screening to encourage regular physical activity as a normal, honored part of aging, much like morning walks in public parks or group stretching sessions at local temples.
Longer-term, the EXERT study’s results are expected to shift clinical guidelines around dementia prevention and inspire broader efforts in Thailand and beyond. Data from a recent PubMed review (2025) corroborates these findings, with large-scale studies repeatedly linking physical activity—regardless of intensity—to both better cognitive scores and favorable brain biomarker profiles associated with Alzheimer’s (PubMed). For resource-limited settings, the most promising aspect is the accessibility of gentle exercise routines: simple routines can be incorporated into community programs, temples, or even televised senior health series.
While further research will clarify the optimal mix, frequency, and types of physical activity to maximize benefit, the current evidence base is robust. In the words of a neurologist interviewed for the AOL article, “Exercising while aging will improve your cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, decreasing your risk of developing memory loss from dementia. I advise my elderly patients to include structured activities and continued learning, which I find to be the most protective for memory loss.”
With Thailand’s population entering a new demographic era, education campaigns—perhaps led by the Ministry of Public Health in partnership with local administrators—should strive to destigmatize both cognitive aging and mild, everyday exercise. Promoting movement as a joyful, communal activity is especially relevant to Thai society, where group exercise in public spaces is a beloved tradition. Improvements at the community level can be paired with proactive counseling by healthcare professionals: at routine checkups, encourage every older adult to adopt three to four sessions of low- to moderate-intensity movement weekly, tailored to personal ability.
In the meantime, families and caregivers are advised to support their elders in finding enjoyable forms of regular physical activity—even walks in the neighborhood, gardening, tai chi, or light stretching. These simple habits, now backed by world-leading research, could make all the difference in preserving not only memory but also a sense of independence and dignity as Thai society continues to age.
For more details and practical tips on safe exercise plans for older adults, readers can visit the Thai Ministry of Public Health’s elder care guidance or reputable international resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the World Health Organization.