Playing Mahjong for 12 Weeks Improved Executive Function in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Study of Implications for TBI-Induced Cognitive Deficits

Abstract

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common among elderly people. So far, effective treatment that can stabilize or reverse the cognitive decline associated with MCI is lacking. Recent studies suggest that playing mahjong may improve attention and memory in elderly people. However, its effect on executive function remains unknown.Methods: 56 elderly people (74.3 ± 4.3 years of age) with MCI from the First Social Welfare the First Nursing Home of Nanchong were randomized into mahjong and control groups (N = 28, each group). Subjects in the mahjong group played mahjong three times a week for 12 weeks, while people in the control group assumed normal daily activity. Executive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Beijing (MoCA-B), the Shape Trail Test (STT), and the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) before the study and then at 6 and 12 weeks after mahjong administration.Results: There were no baseline differences in MoCA-B, STT, and FAQ scoring between the two groups. The MoCA-B, STT, and FAQ scores, however, improved significantly in the mahjong group but not in the control group after the 12-week mahjong administration. Significant correlations were also found between STT and FAQ scores.Conclusions: Playing Mahjong for 12 weeks improved the executive function of elderly people with MCI. Because Mahjong is a simple, low-cost entertainment activity, it could be widely applied to slow down or reverse the progression of cognitive decline in people with MCI, including those with traumatic brain injury.

Association of Playing Cards or Mahjong with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults

“…Non-modifiable risk factors include gender, age, ethnicity, heredity, and chronic diseases [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], whereas modifiable risk factors include physical activity, nutritional supplements, smoking, and alcohol abuse [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated that performing intellectual activities or games related to mental workload has a beneficial effect on cognitive function in older persons [ 19 , 20 ].…”

A Proposal of Cognitive Intervention in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease through an Assembling Game: A Pilot Study

“…To the best of our knowledge, there are no cases in the literature reporting an improvement of executive functions after training AD patients with a game similar to the one employed in the present study. Recently, Zhang et al [16] reported that playing Mahjong for 12 weeks improved the executive function of elderly people with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Similarly, Kuo et al [17] found that multi-component cognitive training by playing card games for eight weeks improved executive functions in old adults, in contrast to an active control group.…”

The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Cognition in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The time required for the subject to complete the task will be recorded, less time suggesting better executive function. The test shows an acceptable level with respect to area under the curve (AUC = 0.835), sensitivity (84.6%), and specificity (66.7%) values among elderly people (> 65 years) with an education level <12 years ( 26 ).…”

“…Each correct answer is given 1 score, while incorrect answers or no answers are given 0 score. The cut-off value for the MoCA in the Chinese population is ≥26 ( 26 ).…”