Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Play a board game. - The Washington Post

Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Play a board game. - The Washington Post 

Playing board games has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, according to recent research cited by The Washington Post and other sources^[1][2][3].

How Board Games Help Prevent Dementia

Board games are associated with higher cognition, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of developing dementia for older adults^[1][4][5].

Engaging in board games enhances memory, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, which help maintain mental agility^[5][6].

Social interaction during board games can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, factors closely linked to dementia risk^[5][7][3].

Studies have found that older adults who play board games regularly have up to a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-players^[7][3].

Scientific Evidence

A 20-year cohort study showed that regular board game players experienced long-term benefits, with reduced risk observed decades later^[7].

A meta-analysis revealed that games like chess, Go, and Mahjong improve mental function and quality of life while also supporting executive function and reducing depressive symptoms^[6].

An eight-week program involving board games led to measurable improvements in cognition and mobility among seniors^[8].

Why Board Games Are Effective

They stimulate the brain by encouraging planning, adaptation, and learning new experiences within each game session^[3].

Board games also foster social connections, which provide emotional support and mental stimulation, both critical for healthy aging^[5][3].

Recommendations

Regular participation in board games is an enjoyable way to boost cognitive reserves and reduce stress while promoting mental well-being^[3].

Games suitable for seniors include chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, and socially engaging modern games like Ticket to Ride^[9][3].

Playing board games is a simple, accessible strategy for supporting healthy brain aging and reducing dementia risk, supported by substantial scientific and observational evidence^[1][7][6][3].

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/27/board-games-dementia-risk-reduce/  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/01/13/dementia-risks-reduction-strategies/

https://kensingtonplaceredwoodcity.com/board-games-more-than-just-good-fun/       

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellbeing/mind/

https://jslmi.org/the-benefits-of-playing-board-games-for-cognitive-health/   

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37638443/  

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3758967/   

https://journalmsr.com/effects-of-board-games-on-balance-in-association-with-cognition-in-community-dwelling-older-adults/

https://www.ainvest.com/news/playing-board-games-reduce-risk-dementia-2508/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/28/board-games-knee-pain-eczema/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hopekatzgibbs_want-to-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-play-activity-7366503468183814145-L2la

 https://www.oaima.org/aws/OSAP/pt/sd/news_article/600833/_PARENT/layout_details/false