A new study indicates that light physical activity can enhance memory by increasing key brain chemicals. Researchers from a Japanese university conducted a study published in May 2025 and summarized by a science news outlet, revealing that even mild movement raises dopamine and noradrenaline levels—neurotransmitters linked to memory formation and brain adaptability. This finding suggests simple, accessible activities could help improve cognitive health for people of all ages in Thailand as well.
Thailand faces an aging population, rising dementia rates, and a renewed emphasis on holistic wellness. The idea that easy, non-stressful exercise can support memory aligns with Thai values of balance and moderation, as taught in Buddhist philosophy and public health campaigns. The study provides a scientific basis for everyday activities that many Thai families already enjoy, from gentle stretches to short walks.
The research team used a rat treadmill model to reflect common human activities, focusing on low-intensity movements such as light jogging and yoga. They tracked chemical changes in the hippocampus, a brain region essential for memory and learning. Results showed that even mild exercise raises concentrations of dopamine and noradrenaline, supporting greater brain plasticity and memory retention. Brain activity in the hippocampus increased as these neurotransmitters were stimulated by movement.
According to the researchers, these monoamines act as conductors of the brain’s neural networks during movement. The study explains that light exercise triggers neurotransmitter surges, offering a biochemical explanation for the cognitive benefits associated with regular physical activity.
The implications for Thailand are meaningful. With longer lifespans and increasingly sedentary urban lifestyles, accessible strategies to protect cognitive function are essential. Rather than focusing solely on intense workouts, people across generations—elderly, students, and office workers—can gain brain benefits from simple activities. Thai health campaigns promoting ten minutes of daily movement could incorporate this new evidence to encourage broader participation.
Thai clinicians welcome the findings. A neurologist from a Bangkok teaching hospital notes that movement—whether in markets, through gentle aerobics, or tai chi under temple trees—has long been recommended for overall health. The new evidence provides a scientific rationale to promote light, enjoyable exercise specifically for brain health, not just cardiovascular fitness.
Educators also see opportunities. A school official in Bangkok suggests integrating short movement breaks and mindfulness into daily routines. If mild activity can boost memory at the chemical level, it can support academic performance and emotional well-being simultaneously.
Thailand already has a tradition of light exercise, from morning tai chi in public parks to community yoga during religious holidays. Wider adoption as a brain-health strategy was limited by a shortage of concrete evidence. With clearer links to brain chemistry, teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders can advocate these routines as essential for lifelong cognitive vitality.
Looking ahead, researchers emphasize the need for more work to map the neural networks involved and to tailor exercise prescriptions for memory enhancement. They also plan to examine other neurotransmitters and downstream effects on attention and emotional regulation. Thailand offers a fertile ground for collaboration, leveraging community exercise infrastructure and an aging population to pilot similar interventions and study long-term cognitive outcomes.
What does this mean for Thais? You don’t need a marathon to boost memory. A daily stroll, light stretching in the garden, or a short chair yoga session at work can trigger the same brain chemistry that powers learning. Start small, stay consistent, and weave gentle activity into daily routines. Schools can formalize movement breaks, health authorities can highlight cognitive benefits in public messaging, and families can share routines that make brain health a cultural staple.
If you’re considering new routines, consult a health professional, especially if you have chronic conditions. For most people in Thailand, the principle of moderation—Por Dee—remains a practical guide to maintaining physical health and mental clarity.