Can Mahjong Prevent Dementia
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, and impaired reasoning skills, often affecting older adults. As the global population ages, the prevalence of dementia is rising, prompting the need for effective strategies to maintain cognitive health.
Research suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, like Mahjong, can help maintain cognitive function and potentially delay the onset of dementia.
Mahjong Helps to Increase Cognitive Abilities
Though it is often said that “Mahjong prevents dementia”, studies have not yet proven the statement to be true.
The idea that mahjong prevents dementia is derived from mahjong’s complexity and gameplay, which requires that participants think. That process of thinking stimulates cognitive functions which leads to the association that it would prevent dementia.
Based on the following study it is discovered that:“ There is no consensus on the potential mechanism of stimulating intellectual activities and preventing dementia. One hypothesis is that frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities can protect the cognitive function of older adults from decline (Wilson et al., 2000) because repeating some cognitive skills can make neurons more active and less vulnerable to disruption by dementia pathology (Alexander et al., 1997).
Another similar view points out that frequent cognitive stimulating activity may strengthen thought processing skills, such as ratiocination, calculation, and perceptual speed, which may be conducive to compensating and resist for age-related decline in other cognitive systems (Beyer et al., 2021).”
Therefore, for a simple answer to the question, it is possible but not scientifically backed.
Other Benefits of Mahjong
Enhance and Improve Cognitive abilities
Not all hope is lost for the game of mahjong as there are still several benefits associated with the game. Mahjong offers a multifaceted approach to supporting cognitive health. This ancient game not only provides entertainment but also serves as a valuable tool in the fight against cognitive decline.
All of the sources state that:
“Regardless of frequency of playing, mahjong produced consistent gains across all cognitive performance measures.” (ResearchGate)
“was found to enhance general cognitive abilities and short-term memory and relieve depressive symptoms. However, because most of the reviewed studies adopted a correlational methodology, the neural mechanism underlying the benefits of playing mahjong awaits further elucidation.” (Springer)
Playing Mahjong for 12 Weeks Improved Executive Function in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Study of Implications for TBI-Induced Cognitive Deficits (NLB)
Social Interaction
Mahjong is typically played with others, making it a highly social activity. Regular interaction with friends and family during games can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are particularly important for mental and emotional well-being.
For the elderly, low social support and interaction can result in a lack of space for emotional output and intellectual stimulus. This can in turn lead to other problems such as elderly abuse, cognitive decline, lack of want for social interaction.
Given the large range of problems that it might cause, mahjong could be a low cost solution, additionally, winning a game of Mahjong can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. The challenges and triumphs within the game can translate into greater confidence and motivation in other areas of life.
Hand Eye Coordination
Mahjong involves the physical act of picking up and arranging tiles, which can help maintain and improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, particularly in older adults.
Given the limited mobility of seniors or older adults,mahjong can also help to improve certain joints, it is found that “playing could enhance joint proprioception and thus improving accuracy in pointing toward a stationary visual target.”.
Where To Find Good Mahjong Tiles
Clearly with all these benefits, mahjong is designed not just for play, but for enhancing well-being too!
Customymahjong tiles offer the option to choose designs and premium materials to further the game, perfect for fostering social interaction, helping you connect with friends and family while engaging in a mentally stimulating game that boosts cognitive abilities.
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Citations
Tian G, Shuai J, Li R, Zhou T, Shi Y, Cheng G, Yan Y. Association between playing cards/mahjong and risk of incident dementia among the Chinese older adults: a prospective cohort study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Aug 22;14:966647. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.966647. PMID: 36072484; PMCID: PMC9441854.
Cheng, Sheung-Tak & Chan, Alfred & Yu, Edwin. (2006). An exploratory study of the effect of mahjong on the cognitive functioning of persons with dementia. International journal of geriatric psychiatry. 21. 611-7. 10.1002/gps.1531.
Tse, Z.C.K., Cao, Y., Chau, B.K.H. et al. Does Playing Mahjong Benefit Older Individuals? A Scoping Review. J Prev Alzheimers Dis (2024). https://doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2024.102
Zhang H, Peng Y, Li C, Lan H, Xing G, Chen Z, Zhang B. Playing Mahjong for 12 Weeks Improved Executive Function in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Study of Implications for TBI-Induced Cognitive Deficits. Front Neurol. 2020 Mar 27;11:178. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00178. PMID: 32292385; PMCID: PMC7120035.
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