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A landmark review in The Lancet reinforces a simple truth: regular exercise helps protect the aging brain. The study outlines several ways physical activity supports cognitive function, potentially lowering dementia risk and promoting sharper thinking across the lifespan. For Thailand’s aging population, these insights come with timely practical implications, highlighting fitness as an affordable, scalable pathway to brain health.

In Thailand, more than 15% of people are over 60, placing dementia and related conditions high on the national health agenda. While genetics matter, lifestyle choices like consistent exercise remain among the most accessible strategies to build cognitive resilience. The new review explains how activity stimulates brain cell growth, strengthens neural connections, and raises brain-derived neurotrophic factors that support learning and memory. Exercise also benefits heart health, reduces chronic inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure—factors closely tied to cognitive performance and dementia risk. Together, these mechanisms can delay or lessen memory decline in ageing populations.

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.

Scrolling through TikTok or social media, many Thai readers may have encountered alarming claims asserting that stress-induced cortisol is the main culprit behind stubborn belly fat and unwanted facial changes, often labelled “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face”. However, a recent analysis published by The Conversation dispels much of this online panic, highlighting that the scientific evidence paints a far more nuanced picture and suggesting Thais need not obsess over this hormonal hype.

An increasing chorus of nutrition experts is warning about critical shortfalls in four essential nutrients—fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—among both Western and Asian populations. Despite growing public awareness of healthy eating, research shows that most adults are failing to meet daily recommendations for these key nutrients, a gap that experts link to heightened risk for chronic diseases, poor metabolic health, and diminished quality of life. Emerging data suggest this is not merely a Western phenomenon: while the United States faces striking deficiencies, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are also contending with shifting dietary patterns that threaten nutritional balance.

A former middle school teacher’s straightforward revelations about student hygiene have become an online sensation, sparking international discussions—and prompting Thai educators and parents to re-examine everyday routines that can protect students’ confidence and health. At the heart of this viral conversation is a set of candid tips about childhood hygiene and self-care—advice that, though simple, may shield young learners from lasting embarrassment and health issues.

The story, originally shared on TikTok by former US sixth-grade teacher Maggie Perkins and reported by Scary Mommy, has resonated globally with parents, teachers, and childhood health professionals. Against the backdrop of Thailand’s own youth mental health and bullying challenges, the advice highlights how small acts of caregiving—including regular clipping of nails and cleaning much-loved school jackets—may spare children from teasing and isolation during one of the most sensitive periods of their lives (Scary Mommy).

Generation Z is increasingly embracing workouts as a core part of daily life, turning gym sessions into social experiences rather than nights out at pubs. As healthy habits rise, questions emerge about whether happiness truly follows or if some social pleasures of traditional venues are fading.

For Thai youth, the shift carries significant implications. In the UK and beyond, gym memberships among 16- to 24-year-olds have surged, with millions now exercising in facilities that double as social hubs. The trend signals a broader rethinking of youth culture—where friendship, stress management, and mental well-being intertwine with physical activity. In Thailand’s urban centers, wellness content on social media accelerates this change, with group workouts and wellness cafés becoming common meeting spots.

A new wave of research is painting Generation Z as possibly “the healthiest generation ever,” with young people opting for social exercise sessions at the gym rather than nights spent nursing pints at the pub. But as Gen Zers commit to their physical well-being, questions are rising about whether these lifestyle changes truly translate to greater happiness, or if some social benefits of traditional venues are being lost in the rush for optimal health.

A fresh wave of health research is reshaping how we think about belly fat. A UK NHS general practitioner discussed on national television that slow, steady movement—such as leisurely walks—can effectively reduce visceral fat, particularly for older adults and postmenopausal women. This challenges the belief that only intense workouts burn stubborn belly fat.

For Thai audiences, the message is practical and empowering. With rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, accessible activities that fit daily life are essential. In Thai cities, many people face stress and sedentary patterns, especially older women who are most at risk for abdominal fat accumulation.

Thai readers increasingly seek non-surgical ways to ease knee pain. Recent guidance points to gentle, low-impact exercise as an effective path to relief and better mobility. Health authorities, therapists, and international experts agree that targeted routines can prevent worsening discomfort and support daily activities.

Knee pain remains a common issue across Thailand, especially among older adults and people with conditions like osteoarthritis. With obesity and an ageing population rising, joint problems are a growing public health concern. In Thai culture, where family caregiving is central and access to advanced medical care can be limited for some, non-drug, home-based strategies are particularly relevant.

A growing body of research suggests that increasing protein intake, rather than simply eating less, can be an effective approach for healthy fat loss and muscle gain—even without changing total calories or exercising more. Recent attention on high-protein diets for women highlights how dietary quality can shift body composition.

For Thai women and many others, the traditional “eat less” mindset has long shaped weight-loss messaging. But restricting food can trigger cycles of under-eating, poor nutrition, and difficulty maintaining changes. Experts emphasize that protein is a crucial missing piece in many diets. In studies cited by nutrition researchers, insufficient protein may hinder fat loss and muscle gain.

New research is reshaping our understanding of how sex hormones influence the brain. Estrogen and other reproductive hormones are not limited to fertility; they act as powerful regulators that shape brain structure, function, and disease risk. The implications are global and deeply relevant for Thailand, where clinicians are exploring how to integrate hormonal health into neurological care and personalized medicine.

Historically, hormones like estrogen and testosterone were discussed mainly in the context of reproduction. Today, neuroscience shows that estrogen plays a broad, protective role across many organs, with especially strong effects in the brain. Brain imaging reveals that estrogen receptors are widespread, influencing memory, mood, and resilience after injury. These discoveries highlight the centrality of hormonal status in neurological health.

A recent study suggests that among four grandparents, maternal grandmothers often exert the strongest influence on grandchildren’s well-being. This finding adds depth to Thai family life discussions about intergenerational care and support in modern households.

In Thai culture, grandparents play a central role. Many families rely on extended kin, especially in rural areas, where grandparents frequently help care for children as parents work or migrate for economic reasons. Understanding which grandparent carries the greatest influence can help families plan support and guide policymakers in promoting child welfare.

Health authorities have unveiled new guidelines urging new mothers to increase their physical activity and improve their sleep habits, triggering widespread debate over the feasibility of these recommendations for parents of young infants. The advice, which is being “strongly encouraged” by medical experts, is rooted in growing evidence that exercise and quality sleep can support postpartum recovery—but many new parents and advocates are questioning whether such guidance truly reflects the day-to-day realities faced by mothers caring for newborns [The Guardian].

The challenge of getting children to listen is a universal concern, and a recent feature published by the Times of India offers timely, research-backed strategies for parents encountering this common frustration. Titled “10 things to do when your child doesn’t listen to you”, the article synthesizes contemporary psychological understanding and practical approaches—valuable for Thai families navigating child-rearing amid modern pressures.

In Thailand, shifting family structures and the demands of urban life have made positive communication between parents and children more crucial than ever. Educational experts and developmental psychologists consistently tell us that fostering cooperation in children is not only about discipline, but building connection and mutual respect. The strategies outlined in the Times of India article echo advice from child development research worldwide: staying calm, consistent, and empathetic reaps far better long-term results than shouting or punishment.

A collaboration between Chinese and French neuroscientists has yielded fresh insights into how consciousness arises in the brain. Using advanced imaging and neurotechnologies, researchers traced the networks active during awake, unconscious, and altered states. Their work identifies neural patterns that distinguish conscious from unconscious processing, offering a more nuanced map of where awareness originates in the brain. The findings, highlighted by the South China Morning Post, signal potential advances in diagnosing disorders of consciousness and guiding treatment strategies.

A groundbreaking study from Trinity College Dublin is reshaping long-held ideas about how memories form, store, and are retrieved. Led by a senior neuroscience researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience, the work shows that memories are not confined to single neurons. Instead, they are stored within dynamic networks of engram cells—groups of neurons whose interactions create and link memories across time and context. This shift has wide implications for learning, neurological diseases, and how the brain regulates physiology.

Health authorities have released guidelines urging new mothers to be more physically active and to improve sleep. The recommendations have sparked debate about whether parents of young infants can realistically meet such targets. Medical experts strongly support the idea that exercise and quality sleep aid postpartum recovery, but many parents and advocates question whether the guidance reflects day-to-day life for those caring for newborns. This discussion resonates in Thailand, where childcare is often shared within families, yet expectations on mothers remain high.

A recent discussion on common parenting strategies has resurfaced in the spotlight, revealing how many parents deploy “white lies” as a means to encourage good behavior in children. The approach is widespread not only across Western nations but also within Thai families—sparking new interest among experts in child development as they debate the long-term effects of these seemingly harmless fibs. As Thailand’s younger generation continues to face mounting pressures in academic and social spheres, understanding the psychology behind these parental tactics becomes ever more important.

The long-standing rivalry between siblings has taken a new turn as recent research shines a spotlight on a surprising “villain” within Thai and global families—the older brother. A large-scale study from the University of Warwick suggests that birth order does matter, with older brothers more likely to become the family aggressors, especially when it comes to bullying their younger siblings. This revelation not only disrupts traditional assumptions about sibling dynamics but also raises important questions about long-term well-being, family culture, and childhood development in Thailand.

A landmark study spanning 101 countries finds that adults who eat more plant-based proteins tend to live longer, while animal proteins play a critical role in early life. Published in Nature Communications, the research is among the most comprehensive to date on how protein sources relate to lifespan. The findings offer lessons for Thailand’s evolving food landscape and health policy.

Across the world, higher plant protein intake is associated with improved adult survivorship and greater life expectancy, especially when compared with diets dominated by animal proteins. Conversely, the study shows that animal-protein may provide vital survival benefits during the first years of life, likely due to nutrients essential for growth and immune development.

A major new study spanning 101 countries has revealed that adults who consume a diet rich in plant-based proteins tend to live longer, while animal proteins remain crucial during early life. Published in Nature Communications, the international research provides some of the most comprehensive evidence yet linking dietary protein sources to lifespan, with possible lessons for Thailand’s evolving food landscape and health policies Nature Communications.

Across the globe, diets higher in plant protein were associated with significantly improved adult survivorship and overall life expectancy, especially when compared to diets where most protein comes from animal sources. Notably, the opposite effect was found among young children—animal-derived proteins offered unique survival benefits in the first years of life, likely due to bioavailable nutrients critical for development.

A new study from the University of California, San Francisco, has sparked international concern after scientists found a compelling connection between poor sleep quality and accelerated brain shrinkage—a process that may begin much earlier in adulthood than commonly assumed. This research, published in the journal Neurology, suggests that even moderate trouble sleeping could make the brain appear years older, flagging sleep problems as a public health risk with potentially wide-reaching implications for Thailand.

A wave of new research is prompting Thai psychiatrists and families to reconsider long-held beliefs about psychosis. Scientists are refining how we distinguish substance-induced psychosis from primary psychotic disorders, with implications for diagnosis, treatment, and hope for patients across Thailand.

Psychosis, a condition marked by a break from reality through hallucinations or delusions, has traditionally been split into two categories: primary psychosis, intrinsic to a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, and substance-induced psychosis, triggered by drugs or alcohol. Clear differentiation matters for care decisions, but until now gaps in understanding have complicated clinical judgments and family planning.

Fresh evidence in 2025 reinforces a simple truth: staying active protects memory and strengthens brain resilience as we age. Physical activity goes beyond shaping the body; it supports cognitive sharpness and may lower the risk of dementia. For Thai readers, this translates into practical steps that fit daily life, families, and local communities.

Thailand’s aging population makes brain health increasingly urgent. Data from Thailand’s National Statistical Office shows the country’s older adults are growing rapidly, with projections indicating higher shares of seniors in the next decade. Memory problems and dementia rank high on families’ concerns, underscoring the need for accessible prevention strategies. Global and local research on brain resilience offers timely guidance for this context.