We know that Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects nearly 55 million people across the globe, and total numbers of peoples expected to live with Alzheimer’s will significantly rise upto 153 million by 2050. According to latest studies, playing chess can be helpful in slowing down Alzheimer’s. To reap the full benefits from this amazing chess game, it’s essential to play it with precision and strategy. In this blog post, we’ll explore common mistakes people make when using chess as a tool for helping slower down Alzheimer’s. We will also provide valuable tips for avoiding those mistakes.
Mistake #1: Lack of Consistency Towards Improving Memory
Improving memory requires consistent practice and effort. The most widely mistakes people make is not sticking to a consistent routine for memory exercises. Consistency is key not only to the memory improvement but also in any case be it learning a specific skill.
Tip #1: Try Memorizing Through a Pictorial View in Mind
As we’ve previously discussed in one of our blog posts titled ‘How to Get Good at Chess by Playing Strategically,’ chess isn’t just about making current moves; it involves long-term planning. Playing chess intelligently can combat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but only with help of consistent effort. Unfortunately, many people struggle with consistency in this regard. An effective alternative is memorization using pictorial representations. Maintaining continuous engagement of the mind is essential for improving memory. This engagement isn’t limited to the chess board alone; even outside of chess, one can think about tactics, positional moves, and endgame techniques to significantly train the brain.
Tip #2: Try Solving the Problems of Others
Engaging in problem-solving tasks (*not difficult ones) stimulates the brain and helps maintain cognitive function. It can also slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Solving crossword puzzles, keeping track of one’s daily activities, or helping children with shape sorting are considered non-difficult tasks.
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Mistake #2: Selecting Harder Chess Variants
Harder chess variants may overwhelm not only individuals with Alzheimer’s but also those who don’t have it. Adapting to less strenuous games can be very helpful.
Tip #3: Just Stick It To The Basics
Playing chess as according to more simplified rules with the only intention of capturing, checkmate etc tremendously yield best results.
Related Reading: Chess Pieces Moves – An illustrated guide
Tip #4: Follow The Slow-Paced Route
Burdening the mind is not a good affair, and it could result in extreme pressure on the mind. Playing a slow-paced chess game can be good for managing stress and pressure.
Mistake #3: Finding It Difficult, But Still Trying
When individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease engage in playing chess, they often experience a heightened sense of enthusiasm and interest. However, this initial excitement can eventually give way to feelings of frustration, which can be particularly challenging for individuals living with Alzheimer’s. With such a challenge, we’ve seen people frustrated but they do still playing. This would lead to frustration, nothing else.
Tip #5: Play it Like Low-Stress Activity
Whenever we have gone through a fever, doctors commonly suggest to eat easily digestible and nutrient-rich foods to support the immune system for fast recovery. Similarly, when someone plays with the sole intention of enjoying it a casual game, it can yield excellent results. So, playing chess with a non-competitive intention can be very advantageous.
Are you looking for a comforting environment for yourself or your loved one who has Alzheimer’s? Here at Chessbazaar, we’ve chess related items including chess pieces, chess boards, eye-catching chess sets combos, and wooden games to keep people mentally and physically active and healthy. Furthermore, we can custom design products to meet the personalized needs of every individual, as our motto says, ‘CHESS FOR EVERYONE’. Get in touch with us today via email at sales@chessbazaar.com.
