#CognitiveHealth

A recent headline in international media warns that a common over-the-counter (OTC) medication, widely used for allergies, may increase the risk of dementia, prompting concern among health professionals and the public in Thailand and globally. Leading doctors cited in a recent report from Women’s Health Magazine are drawing attention to mounting research that connects the use of certain antihistamines—medicines typically purchased without a prescription—to a greater likelihood of future cognitive decline.

New research is shedding light on the fascinating cognitive benefits that come from regularly using your non-dominant hand—a practice that could bring fresh hope for brain health and manual dexterity, from the kitchen table in Bangkok to rehabilitation clinics worldwide. While it may seem like a minor challenge, switching hands for everyday tasks is backed by compelling scientific evidence showing that this novel training helps activate underused parts of the brain and refine motor skills. Experts say that both the short- and long-term benefits, from sharper focus to improved brain connectivity, could make this small shift a surprisingly impactful part of daily life—especially for Thai readers interested in lifelong learning and healthy aging.

A new study from the University of Tsukuba reveals that even gentle exercise—like light jogging, yoga, or leisurely cycling—can set off a cascade of brain chemicals linked to improved memory and brain health. Researchers have found that dopamine and noradrenaline, two powerhouse neurotransmitters, are directly involved in ramping up activity in the hippocampus, the brain’s key memory center, during light physical activity. This discovery shines fresh light on why just a bit of daily movement can sharpen minds and potentially help counter age-related cognitive decline or memory disorders.

In an era where maintaining physical activity is widely recognized as a cornerstone of healthy aging, a new research initiative has found an unexpected ally in the quest to help older adults achieve greater fitness: music. Groundbreaking studies from the Physical Activity and Cognition (PAC) Research Lab at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) are unlocking the power of rhythm and movement to bolster the health, strength, and cognitive function of seniors—findings with growing relevance as Thailand faces rapid population aging and related health challenges [UNC Greensboro News].

A recent systematic review published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” highlights the promising effects of exercise interventions in improving attention among individuals living with depression, offering renewed hope for millions battling not only mood symptoms but also cognitive challenges associated with the disorder. The review, titled “The intervention effect of exercise on the attention of patients with depression: a systematic review,” synthesizes current research findings indicating that physical activity can deliver significant cognitive benefits, particularly in the realm of attention — a critical area often affected in depressive illnesses. This emerging evidence expands the understanding of exercise as more than a mood booster, pointing to its potential role in restoring vital daily functioning for those affected by depression. Source: Frontiers in Psychology

A new wave of research is shining a spotlight on the power of rhythm and music to help older adults kickstart lasting fitness habits—just when the benefits of exercise become more crucial than ever. With Thailand’s rapidly aging society and persistent challenges in promoting healthy lifestyles for its seniors, findings from a US research team may offer practical cues for local interventions to support independent, active living in later life.

A new research study has found that metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess belly fat—significantly elevates the risk of early-onset dementia, but highlights that individual lifestyle choices can make a profound difference in reducing this risk. As reported by Yahoo News, the findings bring fresh urgency to public health conversations, especially in Thailand, where metabolic syndrome rates are rising due to changing diets and sedentary lifestyles (see source).

In a finding that challenges long-held fears about the dangers of digital devices, a major new analysis reveals that older adults who regularly use smartphones and other digital technologies tend to experience slower rates of cognitive decline. The research, published in the highly regarded journal Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed data from more than 400,000 people over age 50 and concluded that routine digital device usage is associated with better cognitive functioning—offering hopeful news for Thailand’s rapidly greying population and its increasingly connected elderly.

A landmark new study has turned conventional “digital dementia” fears upside-down, finding that regular use of digital technology can actually slash the risk of cognitive decline in older adults by up to 58%. As concerns about an aging population and rising rates of dementia increasingly make headlines in Thailand, the international research—published in the prestigious journal Nature Human Behavior—carries important lessons for families, caregivers and policymakers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and beyond. Far from being a tool of mental decay, the latest science suggests smartphones, computers, and messaging apps could be powerful allies for keeping the mind sharp as we age (source).

Recent research reveals a concerning correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a condition expected to impact Thai families profoundly as the population ages. A meta-analysis from 2023, which analyzed data from nearly 11,000 participants, found that individuals with lower blood levels of vitamin D faced a 59% higher risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those with adequate levels. This finding emphasizes the critical role vitamin D plays not just in bone health but also in cognitive function.

In a concerning revelation for public health, recent research has established a link between heavy alcohol consumption and increased risk of brain lesions along with heightened odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study published online in Neurology, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis—indicative of damaged blood vessels that restrict blood flow, potentially impairing memory and cognitive abilities.

Recent research has uncovered a significant connection between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This landmark study, drawing on data from a 2023 meta-analysis published in a reputable scientific journal, has highlighted that individuals with vitamin D serum levels below 25 ng/mL have a 59% increased risk of Alzheimer’s than those with higher levels. This finding brings new insight into preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects millions worldwide and poses an increasing concern across Thailand.

A recent surge in research suggests that certain essential fats might be pivotal in delaying biological aging, a topic garnering attention from both scientists and the general public. Reports indicate that the types of fats consumed, rather than merely the quantity, could influence how gracefully we age. While the discourse has predominantly focused on the impacts of saturated and unsaturated fats, emerging evidence points towards more nuanced roles played by specific fatty acids in modulating age-related processes.

Orange peel—a simple byproduct of the beloved ส้มจีน (Citrus sinensis)—is perhaps one of the most recognized yet underrated ingredients in traditional Thai and Asian medicine. Known locally by various names like ส้มเกลี้ยง, its dried peel has woven itself into the region’s herbal pharmacopoeia for centuries, acting as a remedy, a culinary enhancer, and a symbol of good health. Today, as modern science uncovers new therapeutic benefits from what was once considered mere waste, orange peel stands as a shining example of how Thailand’s ancestral healing wisdom and contemporary research can intersect for better public health.