Mahjong May Help Keep Your Brain Sharp

Game-Changer: If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play Mahjong, here’s your invitation. According to a 2024 study, older people who regularly played the popular tile game maintained their cognitive function better than those who didn’t.

The Study: Researchers followed 7,535 older adults in China between 2008 and 2018 and used a self-reported questionnaire to track how often they played Mahjong. Their cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a screening test widely used to detect cognitive decline. MMSE scores between 24 and 30 indicate normal cognition, with lower scores showing mild to severe dementia. Mahjong players had significantly higher MMSE scores than non-players. Plus, the non-players’ scores dropped several times between 2008 and 2018, signifying progressive decline.

The Takeaway: This study echoes findings from previous research. A small study found older adults with mild cognitive impairment from a traumatic brain injury who played Mahjong for 12 weeks had improved cognition. Mahjong requires memory and focus, plus it’s played with others — all of which have been shown to protect cognition as we age.  

Keep in Mind: The research was a small pilot study and was largely based on self-reported questionnaires.