About mahjong
Is Mahjong Good for Your Brain?
Quick answer
Mahjong may be good for your brain, but the research shows links, not proof. Studies of older adults link playing mahjong with better memory and thinking. Other studies link it with fewer signs of depression. None of them prove that mahjong causes these benefits. Mahjong is a game, not medical care.
At a glance
- Studies on this page: 5
- Largest single study: 13,258 adults
- Studies in the 2024 review: 53
- Linked with: better memory and thinking, and fewer signs of depression
- What the studies show: links, not proof
Is mahjong good for your brain?
Mahjong may be good for your brain, but no one has proven it. Studies link mahjong with better memory and thinking, mostly in older adults.
A link means two things show up together. It does not prove that one causes the other. For example, people who play mahjong may be more social or healthier to begin with.
A 2024 review looked at 53 studies on mahjong. Most of those studies could only show links.
What do the studies say?
Here are five studies on mahjong and the mind, from oldest to newest.
| Study | Who took part | What it found |
|---|---|---|
| Cheng and others, 2006 | 62 older people with dementia, who played for 16 weeks | Memory and thinking scores rose |
| Wang and others, 2019 | 10,988 adults age 45 and up in China | Mahjong or cards linked to fewer signs of depression in cities |
| Wang and others, 2022 | 7,308 adults age 60 and up | Players had better thinking scores |
| Lin and others, 2023 | 13,258 adults | Not playing linked to more depression |
| Tse and others, 2024 | A review of 53 studies | Linked to better thinking, lower dementia risk and less loneliness |
The 2006 study was small. The 2022 study looked at people at just one point in time.
The others tracked links between playing and health. Links like these cannot prove cause and effect.
What are the benefits of mahjong?
Studies link mahjong with these benefits. Most of the research looked at older adults.
- Better memory and thinking. Players scored higher on tests of memory and thinking.
- Fewer signs of depression. Two large studies linked playing with fewer signs of depression.
- Less loneliness. The 2024 review linked mahjong with less loneliness.
- Time with friends. Mahjong is played face to face, with 4 players at a table.
Want to start? See how to find mahjong near you.
Can mahjong prevent dementia?
No one has shown that mahjong prevents dementia. Some studies link it with a lower risk, but a link is not proof.
The 2024 review called for more trials to test this. Until then, think of mahjong as a fun habit, not a treatment.
Mahjong is a game, not medical care. If you are worried about your memory or mood, talk to your doctor.
Want to make game night a habit?
A set of your own makes it easy to play with friends each week.
Questions people ask
Is mahjong good for seniors?
Most of these studies looked at older adults. They link mahjong with better thinking and mood. It is also a simple way to see friends often.
Is mahjong good for depression?
Two large studies link playing mahjong with fewer signs of depression. That is a link, not a treatment. If you feel low, talk to a doctor.
Do card games have the same benefits?
Maybe. The 2019 study counted mahjong and cards together. It linked playing either one with fewer signs of depression in cities.
Is mahjong hard to learn?
It takes practice, but a beginner class can teach you the basics in a few sessions. See mahjong lessons.