Reduce Risk of Alzheimers - Play Chess

By Tom Gosselin

A HEALTHY GAME OF CHESS?

Playing Chess May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia

If there was ever a good reason to play chess it's this one, your brain's health. Mental activities like playing chess have been linked to reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and Dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease is degeneration of the brain and causes someone to forget every day things such as their name and even their own children. It's no wonder why so many people, especially the elderly, are scared to death of getting Alzheimer's.

Researchers say delay and prevention are possible and studies have shown that, "Doing crossword puzzles and playing mind-stretching games such as chess may increase the number of synapses in the brain decreasing the risk of AD (Alzheimer's Disease) and other forms of dementia by as much as 75%" - (Women & Alzheimer's Disease. National Women's Health Report. National Women's Health Resource Center. 2004;26(6):1-8).

Playing chess requires focus and concentration to determine your next move and keep your opponent from capturing your king. The first person to capture the other's king wins. Chess is very easy to learn and a lot of fun to play. An inexperienced player can learn the moves in a few minutes and create a lifetime of enjoyment. Chess is a game for players of all ages and it is never too early to start taking care of your brain. It needs exercise just as much as our bodies do.

If you are experienced at chess and want to add a new challenge to your game there are many variations to the standard game including 4 player chess, the ancient game of Byzantine Chess, also known as round board chess, and many more unique chess sets.

Tom Gosselin is a chess enthusiast who created http://www.unique-chess-sets.com as a place where chess is more than just a game.

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