#Dementia

MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research is accelerating our understanding of the human brain and using that knowledge to drive innovations that improve lives worldwide. According to a recent feature published on the MIT News site, the McGovern Institute has become a beacon for cutting-edge neuroscience, uniting top researchers in pursuit of answers to questions that affect not only scientific communities, but also real-world health and education challenges facing societies, including those in Thailand. The Institute’s latest projects point to new pathways for treating psychiatric disorders, transforming special education, and empowering community health systems—developments highly relevant for policymakers, clinicians, and educators across Southeast Asia.

A new study published in the journal Neurology has sent shockwaves through the global medical community by firmly linking heavy alcohol consumption to changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline (source: Washington Post). For Thai readers, where drinking culture is woven deeply into social and festival life, these findings carry sobering health messages that resonate well beyond laboratory data.

The research, conducted at the University of São Paulo Medical School in Brazil, delved into 20 years of brain autopsy data collected from 1,781 people aged 50 or older at the time of death. By using family surveys, experts reconstructed people’s drinking habits three months before their deaths and matched these to neuropathological findings. The key takeaway: Those consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks weekly—classified as heavy drinkers—had a 41% increased likelihood of developing neurofibrillary tangles, clumps of tau protein in brain cells definitively associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Even former heavy drinkers, who stopped within those last three months, had a 31% higher risk compared to those who never drank.

A new wave of international research is offering hope for Thailand’s rapidly aging population—weight training, commonly known as resistance or strength training, may meaningfully slow and even help reverse cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study highlighted by Medical News Today in April 2025 source. In a country where the number of elderly is projected to surpass 20 million by 2050, these findings shine a light on accessible, drug-free strategies to protect brain health and independence across Thai society.

In a world where the search for effective, accessible healing methods never wanes, recent research shines a spotlight on an ancient yet modern remedy: music. A groundbreaking study published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners demonstrates how music therapy—both active and passive—can significantly improve the lives of people facing Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, and even seizure disorders. As reported by Neuroscience News, the findings point to music’s profound neurological impact, offering an inexpensive, non-pharmaceutical avenue for support that resonates across cultures and generations (Neuroscience News).

A recent study published this week has found that older adults who seek medical help for cannabis use may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting urgent concerns as marijuana use rises among aging populations worldwide—including here in Thailand. This research, first reported by The New York Times, observed a meaningful connection between cannabis use disorder and subsequent dementia diagnosis in individuals aged 55 and older, prompting both health professionals and policymakers to re-examine guidelines and public health messaging regarding cannabis, especially in countries like Thailand that are reconsidering their cannabis policies.

A new wave of scientific concern is growing over emerging evidence that COVID-19 may be accelerating cognitive decline, raising the question: Is the coronavirus fundamentally changing the way we age? Doctors and researchers worldwide are alarmed by signs that surviving COVID-19 could hasten processes typically associated with aging brains—including earlier onset and greater severity of memory loss, confusion, and other neurological symptoms. These revelations, based on increasingly robust research, are already reshaping conversations about health, aging, and long-term care in Thailand and worldwide (WSJ).

A recent study has unveiled a promising approach to combating the onset of dementia, a progressive brain condition affecting millions globally. Researchers from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have discovered that weight training might play a crucial role in reducing dementia risk, offering hope to an ageing population facing the rising tide of this syndrome marked by memory loss and behavioral changes.

Dementia affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide, a number anticipated to increase as populations age. With no known cure, lifestyle changes remain a primary defense against the disease. Previous research has suggested that lifestyle adjustments could prevent up to 45% of dementia cases, and the latest study adds to this body of evidence by identifying resistance exercise as a key preventive measure.

In a world grappling with escalating dementia, stroke, and depression cases, new research offers hope by identifying 17 modifiable factors that can significantly reduce risks for these conditions. Published in the prestigious Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this groundbreaking review unravels crucial insights for safeguarding brain health. With over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and numbers expected to triple by 2050, coupled with the predicted doubling of stroke deaths by then, the study’s implications are profound and potentially life-changing.

In groundbreaking research recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, scientists have discovered that the common shingles vaccine may offer substantial protection against dementia. This revelation has significant implications for health policy, elder care, and personal health strategies, particularly for Thailand’s aging population.

Dementia, a condition marked by cognitive decline and memory loss, has long been a challenge for health systems worldwide. As Thailand gradually becomes an aging society with the elderly population expected to double over the next decade, strategies to mitigate dementia become critical. The new findings suggest that a widely used vaccine could play a role in this effort.

Statins have long been hailed as a breakthrough in managing cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, recent discussions in medical communities and media spotlight have turned towards the potential side effects of these medications, balancing their cardiovascular benefits against other health risks. As statin use becomes increasingly common in Thailand, understanding these implications is essential for informed healthcare decisions.

Statins are primarily prescribed to individuals with high LDL cholesterol levels—often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, while highly effective in reducing these cholesterol levels, statins are not devoid of potential side effects that might raise concern among users and healthcare providers.

Recent research published in the journal Neurology highlights a concerning link between the consumption of processed red meat and a heightened risk of developing dementia. The study tracked more than 133,000 individuals over a span of up to 43 years, uncovering that those who consumed the most processed red meat had a 13% higher chance of being diagnosed with dementia compared to those who ate less. Traditional favorites like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and salami are implicated in this elevated risk, reminding Thai readers of the importance of diet in maintaining long-term cognitive health.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that vitamin D supplementation may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. Published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia Diagnosis, Assessment, & Disease Monitoring, the study analyzed data from nearly 12,500 older adults in the U.S. who were initially free of dementia. Surprisingly, the results indicated that those who took vitamin D supplements had a 40% lower incidence of dementia compared to those who did not MedicalNewsToday.