Can Board Games Reduce the Risk of Dementia?

Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, with millions of people affected each year. While research into dementia is ongoing, scientists are increasingly exploring lifestyle factors that may help reduce the risk. Surprisingly, playing board games could offer cognitive benefits that may protect the brain and even slow the progression of dementia.

What Is dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a group of progressive brain conditions that affect memory, language, problem-solving, and daily functioning. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many other forms. Although there is currently no cure, researchers are studying prevention strategies, treatments, and lifestyle interventions that could delay dementia symptoms.

This is where board games come in. Scientists have discovered that tabletop games may stimulate different areas of the brain, encouraging memory, focus, and problem-solving. For example, in Japan, researchers developed a card game that uses scent recognition to strengthen memory pathways in people at risk of dementia.

What does the latest research say about dementia and board games?

The research team behind this paper (Federico Emanuele Pozzi, Ildebrando Appollonio, Carlo Ferrarese and Lucio Tremolizzo) “searched five databases with tailored search strings. We included studies assessing the impact of board games on elderly subjects at risk of or suffering from cognitive impairment, or subjects with cognitive impairment irrespective of age. Studies where the effect of board games was not separated by cards or other games were excluded. A meta-analysis was performed for specific cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes.”

This meta-analysis on board games and dementia examined whether traditional games can prevent or slow cognitive decline. The study reviewed multiple databases and included elderly participants both at risk of and already living with dementia.

The findings were encouraging:

• Playing board games may help slow cognitive impairment.
• Games like Chess and other traditional titles showed improvements in memory, reasoning and overall mental function.
• Quality of life for dementia patients may improve when games are integrated into daily routines.

While researchers caution that biological and genetic factors also play a role, the evidence suggests that board games could be a valuable, non-invasive tool for brain health.

Benefits of board games for dementia prevention

Board games may offer a wide range of cognitive and social benefits that support dementia prevention and care:

• Memory strengthening: Repeated play of familiar games requires recall, helping to exercise memory pathways.
• Problem-solving skills: Strategy games like Chess or Go challenge the brain and encourage logical thinking.
• Social interaction: Group play fosters communication, reducing feelings of isolation that are often linked to dementia progression.
• Stress reduction: Relaxed, enjoyable activities help improve mood and may reduce dementia-related anxiety.

Traditional and familiar games seem to have the strongest impact since they connect with long-term memory and established routines, unlike newly learned games that require additional effort.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, research suggests that playing board games may contribute to brain health and slow cognitive decline. The act of playing engages memory, concentration and social interaction – all of which are protective factors against dementia.

Support for people affected by dementia

If you or a loved one has been impacted by dementia, organizations like Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK provide guidance, resources and support.

Related: Playing board games once a week may help stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s, research suggests