Mahjong has long been a popular entertainment for elderly Chinese, and previous studies have demonstrated therapeutic effects of playing mahjong in improving cognitive functions. However, limited research focuses on how playing mahjong influences executive control in elderlies, which concerns the ability to plan and carry out everyday activities. A recent study reported that 12 weeks of mahjong intervention in elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) resulted in significant enhancements in their executive functions. Scores in multiple cognitive assessment tests were notably improved in the mahjong group when compared to controls. Hence, this provides further proof to the therapeutic effects of mahjong in delaying cognitive decline and enhancing executive functions for elderly with MCI.

Keywords: Mahjong, executive function, mild cognitive impairment, elderly

Reference

Zhang H, Peng Y, Li C, et al. Front Neurol. 2020;11:178.