Health experts are championing an ancient Chinese tile game, beloved by A-list celebrities, for its remarkable ability to enhance brain function and potentially ward off dementia. The game in question is Mahjong, a social and strategic pastime with a history stretching back more than 150 years.
The Science Behind the Tiles: Cognitive Benefits Revealed
Extensive research has investigated how this four-player game, where participants compete to form specific sets of tiles, can protect the ageing brain. A pivotal 2020 study from North Sichuan Medical University in China provided compelling evidence. Researchers found that elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment who played Mahjong for 12 weeks showed significant improvement.
Their executive function scores, covering decision-making, planning, and problem-solving, rose by an average of nine percent. Overall cognitive test results improved by approximately five to ten percent compared to baseline measurements, highlighting the game's tangible impact.
Internal medicine physician Dr Raj Dasgupta is a vocal advocate. He told the Daily Mail that Mahjong is "great for keeping your brain sharp." Dr Dasgupta explained, "It helps with memory, focus, and problem-solving, and because it's usually played with others, it also helps reduce stress and boost mood. Staying mentally and socially active like this can support overall brain and body health."
More Than a Solo Puzzle: The Social Edge
Dr Dasgupta emphasises that Mahjong offers a unique advantage over solitary brain teasers like Sudoku or solitaire due to its inherent social component. "Mahjong stands out because it mixes thinking and socialising," he said. "You need to remember patterns, plan moves, and interact with others, all at the same time. That combination works more parts of the brain than games you play alone."
This social-cognitive blend is seen as key to its benefits. Family medicine doctor Dr Castel Santana notes that while most studies focus on older adults, younger generations could also gain. "The bulk of the evidence is in older adults, often aged 65 and over," he stated. "However, it is plausible younger adults could also benefit both cognitively and socially from mahjong." This is crucial, as scientific understanding now indicates dementia processes can begin 20 to 30 years before diagnosis.
A Modern Revival: From Hollywood to a New Generation
The game has enjoyed a surge in modern popularity, partly driven by celebrity endorsements. Meghan Markle revealed in her Netflix series that she and her friends play American Mahjong, loving the experience of "learning something new with your friends together." Similarly, Julia Roberts told Stephen Colbert in 2018 that playing Mahjong helped her relax, describing it as a metaphor for creating "order out of chaos."
Entrepreneurs are now working to bring the game to a younger audience. Texas-based Megan Trottier, founder of the Oh My Mahjong brand, designs colourful, travel-friendly sets under three pounds. "There's a whole new wave of younger players discovering Mahjong," Trottier said, "and I think it's partly because they're craving more offline connection."
She advises that benefits can be seen from playing two to three times a week, a frequency that "keeps your brain actively engaged, but not so much that it becomes a chore." While luxury sets can cost hundreds, the game remains accessible, with basic sets available for around $20, making this brain-boosting hobby a viable option for many.
