#CognitiveHealth

A new wave of neuroscience research suggests that abstaining from eating before bedtime might help supercharge the brain’s ability to cement memories during sleep, offering intriguing possibilities for both public health and everyday learning strategies. Insights from studies on rodents and emerging human data indicate that going to sleep hungry may enhance the brain’s natural memory-processing rhythms, potentially leading to improved cognitive function by morning (ZME Science).

This recent research holds significant relevance for Thai readers, as cognitive health and aging are national concerns in Thailand’s rapidly greying population. Against this backdrop, simple lifestyle interventions such as meal timing could offer low-cost approaches to boosting memory retention, aiding students and older adults alike.

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that older adults who consume greater amounts of spermidine—a compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, and whole grains—tend to perform better on cognitive function tests. This finding offers a promising dietary strategy for Thailand’s rapidly aging society, where cognitive decline and dementia are growing health concerns.

The research team, led by a scientist affiliated with a U.S. university, analyzed data from over 2,600 Americans aged 60 and above, using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants reported their diets through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews and completed four standardized cognitive assessments. The results showed a clear trend: those in the highest quarter for spermidine intake consistently achieved better cognitive test scores than peers with lower intake. Notably, the beneficial link was most pronounced in males, non-Hispanic whites, individuals classified as somewhat overweight (BMI 25–30), and those with hypertension or high cholesterol (PsyPost).

A new study indicates that older adults who consume more spermidine, a natural compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, and whole grains, tend to score higher on cognitive assessments. Published in a reputable psychiatry journal, the research offers a dietary angle for supporting brain health as Thailand’s population ages.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 2,600 Americans aged 60 and over, using national health and nutrition information. Participants reported their diets through two daily recalls and completed four standardized cognitive tests. The findings show a clear trend: those in the highest spermidine intake quartile performed better on cognitive tasks than those with lower intake. The association appeared stronger among men, non-Hispanic whites, individuals with overweight BMI, and those with hypertension or high cholesterol. Authors note that the observational design cannot prove causation, as people with sharper memories may simply choose nutrient-rich foods more often.

A new study suggests lifelong musical training helps the aging brain hear and comprehend speech more clearly in noisy settings. Researchers from the University of Toronto, Baycrest, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that older musicians process sounds in ways similar to younger adults, supporting the idea that picking up an instrument at any age can benefit brain health.

In daily life, aging often brings declines in thinking and listening. Many seniors struggle to understand speech in crowded environments, a challenge familiar to Thais at bustling markets, family gatherings, or temple events. The research explores the Posterior-Anterior Shift in Aging (PASA), where older adults recruit more frontal brain areas to compensate for aging. This compensation can demand extra mental effort and reduce efficiency.

New research underscores that lifelong musical training offers powerful protection for the brain as we age, helping older adults to hear and process speech more efficiently—especially in challenging, noisy environments. Published in PLOS Biology and led by researchers from the University of Toronto, Baycrest Academy, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study reveals that older musicians’ brains function in ways remarkably similar to those of much younger individuals, bolstering the argument for picking up an instrument at any age (PLOS Biology).

A growing body of research is shedding light on a delightful strategy for safeguarding cognitive health: keeping a pet dog or cat. As the Thai population rapidly ages and concerns about dementia and memory loss mount, recent international studies provide encouraging evidence that companionship from a furry friend could be a vital, joyful contributor to mental sharpness in later life. The latest findings, published in leading scientific journals and summarized in recent coverage by international and Thai media, point to a nuanced, species-specific association between pet ownership and the pace of cognitive decline.Kiplinger, Nature, The Guardian

A growing body of international research suggests that caring for a dog or a cat may support cognitive health as people age. For Thailand’s aging population, these findings offer a practical angle on maintaining mental sharpness as life expectancy rises. New studies indicate that pet ownership may be linked to slower decline in certain thinking skills over decades, with dogs showing notable benefits for memory and recall, and cats contributing to verbal fluency and some memory functions.

A new wave of research suggests that coordination-focused exercises can slow aging by boosting balance and cognitive function. For Thailand’s rapidly aging society, these simple, low-cost activities could help families and caregivers maintain independence and quality of life for older adults.

Experts describe coordination training as movements that challenge the body to control actions in space. Practical activities include sideways walking, grapevine steps, single-leg balance, balance with ball tossing, and dual-task drills that combine mental tasks with movement. Studies indicate these routines support mobility and improve communication between body systems, contributing to overall health.

A wave of new scientific research suggests that exercise routines focused on coordination could play a pivotal role in slowing the aging process, improving both physical and cognitive health in later life. With Thailand’s rapidly aging society, these findings are particularly significant for families, caregivers, and older persons aiming to maintain independence and quality of life.

According to a recent report by the Jerusalem Post, emerging studies indicate that coordination exercises — which challenge the body to control movements in space — not only help older adults maintain mobility and balance, but can also improve how different organs and systems in the body communicate (jpost.com). This type of exercise, which includes activities like sideways walking, grapevine walking, one-leg standing, balance with ball tossing, and dual-task exercises (combining mental and physical challenges), has now been highlighted as a potent, accessible tool in the battle against age-related decline.

A new study highlights a connection between intense romantic obsession, heavy social media use, and everyday cognitive challenges such as memory lapses and reduced attention. Involving 600 adults, the research explores how emotional dependence in relationships interacts with online behaviors, offering insights relevant to Thailand as dating norms and digital life continue to evolve.

Romantic obsession refers to a compulsive pattern of thoughts and behaviors focused on a partner. It can include urges to preserve the relationship, mood swings, distress when apart, and persistent rumination. The study deepens this understanding by examining how such attachment influences cognitive functioning in daily life. In Thailand, where relationship expectations and online presence are deeply woven into social norms, these findings resonate with local experiences of digital dating and boundary testing in public spaces.

A recent study published in Behavioural Brain Research has revealed a significant connection between symptoms of love addiction and persistent problems with memory, attention, and cognitive performance in everyday life. The research, conducted with 600 adult participants, paints a complex picture of how intense emotional dependence in romantic relationships—along with heavy social media use—may harm mental clarity and well-being, with important implications for Thai readers as digital habits and relationship expectations evolve (PsyPost).

A wave of new research shows that reading fiction can lessen loneliness and strengthen brain health, offering a low-cost path to well-being for Thais across ages. As isolation rises in cities and villages alike, health professionals urge a return to the cherished habit of storytelling—not just for entertainment, but as a practical tool for mental and social resilience.

Experts note a growing loneliness crisis worldwide, a trend now echoed in Thailand where urbanization, shifting family structures, and digital lifestyles contribute to social disconnection. While AI chatbots and scrollable feeds promise companionship, researchers warn that virtual solutions cannot replace real human connection. Studies are turning a bright spotlight on reading’s social and psychological benefits.

A wave of groundbreaking research has found that reading fiction can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster brain health—offering a potent, low-cost remedy to a growing problem among Thais of all ages. With isolation surging in both urban and rural communities, health experts encourage a return to the much-loved tradition of reading stories, not just for entertainment but as a powerful tool for mental and social wellbeing.

The modern loneliness epidemic, recently highlighted by global leaders and the World Health Organization, is now recognized as a crisis affecting 25% of older adults and up to 15% of adolescents worldwide, with Thailand seeing parallel trends driven by urbanization, changing family structures, and the rise of digital lifestyles (psypost.org). While AI-enabled chatbots and social media often promise companionship, experts caution that these virtual solutions can never replace meaningful human connection. As such, recent studies are putting a fresh spotlight on the social and psychological benefits of reading fiction.

A new international study finds that outdoor physical activity delivers greater improvements in children’s brain function than the same exercise done indoors. The findings, published in Physiology & Behavior in mid-2025, are prompting Thai schools and families to rethink how and where kids stay active. The research reinforces nature’s unique role in sharpening young minds and offers a timely opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s public health and education strategies.

Why this matters for Thai families and schools. As competition rises and screen time grows in Thailand, educators and parents are looking for the best ways to support cognitive health and learning. In many Thai settings, structured indoor activities—basketball in air‑conditioned gyms, or dance and aerobics in multipurpose halls—are common. The new evidence suggests environment matters. Outdoor activity appears to offer brain-boosting benefits that can affect classroom focus, academic performance, and stress management.

A groundbreaking international study has revealed that outdoor physical activity delivers far greater improvements in children’s brain function than identical exercise carried out indoors—prompting calls for Thai schools and parents to rethink how and where kids stay active. The findings, published in the journal Physiology & Behavior in mid-June 2025 and now gaining traction among health and education experts worldwide, reinforce the unique value of nature for sharpening young minds and signal an important opportunity for Thailand’s public health and school curricula.

Creatine is growing in popularity among Thai athletes and health enthusiasts. The big question now is: when is the best time to take it for maximum benefits? New studies and expert opinions are clarifying how timing, meals, and safety influence health, strength, and cognitive performance. This piece distills current findings for Thai readers and emphasizes practical advice and product quality.

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in meat and seafood and produced by the body from amino acids. It supports energy production, muscle strength, and post-exercise recovery. Emerging evidence also points to potential cognitive benefits, which makes creatine attractive not only to athletes but also to students, professionals, and older adults seeking a sharper mind and sustained energy. Research by reputable health and nutrition experts suggests timing matters to optimize these effects.

As creatine gains traction among athletes and health-conscious individuals in Thailand, the question of optimal timing for maximum effect has taken centre stage. Recent research and expert opinions now shed new light on how and when to take creatine to reap the greatest health, strength, and cognitive benefits. Drawing from the latest findings published by reputable health and nutrition experts, this report unpacks the science, examines the practical implications for Thai readers, and highlights the importance of supplement safety and authenticity in a rapidly growing market.

A landmark study published in Psychological Medicine has revealed that individuals suffering from major depressive disorder show signs of accelerated brain aging, offering new insights into the profound physical toll depression takes on the body. The research, which focused on a Japanese cohort, is one of the first to confirm that depression’s impact on brain structure extends beyond Western populations, emphasizing the global relevance of the findings and their implications for countries like Thailand.

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.

Recent international coverage highlights a potential link between certain over-the-counter antihistamines and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Leading physicians note that long-term or heavy use of first-generation antihistamines—commonly found in allergy and cold remedies—may contribute to future dementia, especially among older adults. This aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting anticholinergic medications can affect memory and learning.

Antihistamines are a staple in Thai households, particularly as urban pollution and allergy rates rise in Bangkok and other cities. The caution matters for millions who self-medicate with OTC drugs, often without professional guidance. Thai readers should understand which medicines carry higher cognitive risks and how to choose safer options.

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.

New research suggests that regularly using your non-dominant hand can boost brain health and manual dexterity. This small daily habit could support healthy aging and rehabilitation, from Bangkok kitchens to clinics across Thailand. The evidence indicates that switching hands for common tasks engages underused brain regions and enhances motor skill control. Both short- and long-term benefits — improved focus, quicker reactions, and stronger brain connectivity — may make this a practical addition to daily routines.

A new study from the University of Tsukuba shows that light physical activity—such as gentle jogging, yoga, or easy cycling—can trigger brain chemicals linked to sharper memory and better brain health. Researchers found that dopamine and noradrenaline, two key neurotransmitters, directly boost activity in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, during light exercise. The findings help explain why small daily movements can improve thinking and may slow age-related cognitive decline or memory disorders.

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.