A new study published in The Lancet has shed light on the powerful neuroprotective effects of regular exercise, highlighting its vital role in promoting healthy brain ageing and potentially reducing the risk of dementia and other cognitive diseases. The findings are of particular significance for Thai readers, as Thailand faces an ageing society with rising concerns over brain health and dementia rates among older adults.
With Thailand’s population shifting rapidly towards the elderly—projections estimate that over 20% of Thais will be aged 60 or over by 2025—the burden of age-associated cognitive decline has become a pressing issue for families and the healthcare system alike. The newly published research underscores the importance of fitness, adding scientific weight to long-standing folk wisdom encouraging an active lifestyle for “kaeng raeng”—robust health. The study, titled “Neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise and the importance of fitness for healthy brain ageing,” explains that physical activity goes beyond maintaining muscle and heart health: it triggers specific molecular and cellular mechanisms that directly protect brain tissue from age-related degeneration.
Key findings from the research demonstrate that consistent aerobic and moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, stimulates neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons—particularly in brain regions critical for memory and cognitive function. The authors detail how exercise leads to increased blood flow to the brain, boosts the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients, and encourages the release of neurotrophic factors like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports neuron growth and repair. These changes collectively reduce inflammation and strengthen the brain’s resilience to stressors linked to ageing and disease.
Experts cited in The Lancet study noted, “Physical fitness not only supports healthy cognition but can also delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases by several years.” This view is backed by leading neurology researchers worldwide, as well as by Thai clinicians at top academic hospitals, who have observed similar benefits in local patient groups. “Exercise is increasingly recognized as medicine for both body and mind,” commented a Thai neurologist from a leading university hospital, pointing to the growing adoption of movement-based interventions in memory clinics across Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The implications for Thailand’s ageing population are profound: as the nation prepares for the impact of rising dementia cases, promoting accessible, culturally appropriate forms of exercise—such as traditional Thai dance, folk sports, or community aerobic sessions—may become an essential public health measure. This also echoes concepts in Thai traditional medicine, which advocates “lom hai deaw kamlang”—vital energy from movement—to maintain health into old age.
Historically, Thai elders have engaged in “ram wong” circle dancing, “muan bai” gentle stretching, and walking in temple grounds, all of which resemble the moderate activity prescribed by the Lancet study. Marrying modern neurological science with local wisdom could help shape public campaigns and social policies, such as organizing senior exercise groups or integrating movement routines into wat (temple) and community center activities.
Looking to the future, experts urge policymakers and healthcare providers to expand investment in active ageing initiatives, making exercise programs more widely available and affordable for all Thais, regardless of urban or rural location. Continued research into the dose, type, and frequency of exercise will help fine-tune recommendations tailored for the Thai context. Furthermore, families are encouraged to support elderly members by joining daily walks, participating in shared activities, and using digital tools that track progress or gamify exercise.
To capitalize on the research’s findings, Thai readers can start with simple steps: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, incorporate enjoyable group activities, and consult healthcare professionals about suitable routines, particularly if chronic health conditions are present. As the authors of the study and local health experts agree, regular movement is one of the most effective tools for safeguarding the brain and enhancing quality of life in the golden years.
For more insight, readers can refer to the original Lancet article here and consult sources such as the World Health Organization’s recommendations on physical activity for older adults, as well as local guidelines from the Thai Ministry of Public Health.