"Board games can be an effective tool to maintain cognitive health, slow down age-related changes, and improve memory, attention, and thinking."
This was stated by Russian neurologist Marianna Tsikiya in an interview with Gazeta.ru.
"Many people are used to viewing board games merely as a pastime, but from a neurological perspective, they are an effective means to exercise the brain. During the game, neurons are activated, neuroplasticity increases, and cognitive reserve is formed. The higher this reserve, the longer the brain maintains clarity and resilience against age-related changes," the neurologist explained.
At the same time, the specialist emphasized the importance of regularity. According to her, the greatest effect is achieved not by playing games occasionally, but systematically.
According to her, classic games like chess and checkers simultaneously perform several key functions. During the game, the frontal lobes responsible for planning and impulse control are actively engaged, memory is trained, and spatial thinking is developed. This integrated approach helps the brain effectively perform multiple tasks at once and serves as a preventive measure against age-related disorders.
Memory and attention-enhancing games such as "Mahjong" and "Memo" stimulate the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for converting short-term memory into long-term memory. This structure is one of the first to be affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Such games improve visual-spatial perception, reaction speed, and concentration," the specialist emphasized.
Word games like "Scrabble" or "Word Maker" are equally beneficial. As the doctor explained, the word selection process activates areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for speech and semantic memory. This helps maintain verbal fluency and prevents difficulties in word retrieval that frequently occur with aging. Additionally, such games enhance mental flexibility.
"Therefore, when played regularly, board games can become not only an engaging hobby but also an effective way to protect brain health," Tsikiya noted.//Oxu.az