A doctor reveals the benefits of chess for the brain as we age
Monitoring2 min read
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Neurologist Alexander Tkachev confirmed that playing chess and other games that rely on thinking and analysis may help maintain some cognitive abilities in middle-aged and elderly people, pointing to the importance of diversifying mental and social activities in daily life.
The doctor explained that chess requires remembering previous moves, analyzing available options, monitoring the opponent's moves, and adjusting plans according to the development of the game, making it an activity that stimulates a number of mental skills.
He pointed out that card games, such as poker, also require estimating probabilities and controlling impulsivity, in addition to the fact that playing team games provides opportunities for social interaction and interaction with others.
Tkachev pointed out that some studies have observed a link between regular practice of board and card games and better maintenance of some cognitive abilities. However, he stressed the need to interpret these results with caution, explaining that most of them are based on observation and do not necessarily prove that games are the direct cause of maintaining these abilities or preventing dementia.
He added that a person's improved performance in a particular game does not necessarily mean improved memory and mental abilities in various situations of daily life, stressing that chess or other games cannot be considered a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
In contrast, the doctor explained that watching TV series is not necessarily a negative activity for the brain, as following complex events, remembering characters, and discussing the plot may require a degree of concentration and recall.
However, he pointed out that games often require more effective mental participation, as they push the person to make decisions on their own, instead of just following what is happening.
Tkachev advised diversifying daily activities to include play, reading, learning new skills, social interaction, and physical activity, stressing the importance of choosing enjoyable activities that require appropriate mental effort to avoid boredom and loss of motivation.
The doctor concluded his advice by emphasizing the importance of combining mental activity with movement, explaining that going for a walk with a partner after playing games is better than spending extra long hours sitting.
