Apr 24, 2026

Did your grandpa play chess with you in his 80s? Know the Secret of His ‘young’ Brain

Did your grandpa play chess with you in his 80s? Know the Secret of His ‘young’ Brain

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among 80-plus individuals is quite common. According to an estimation, around 33.4% of people aged 80+ have Alzheimer’s disease.

However, amidst the wave of concerns, there is a completely different story.

You might have seen some aged people play chess, spend time with grandchildren, and actively make decisions in their house. 

How would you sum it up? Even brain doctors are astounded by this new finding.

Yes, when brain health in old age is the talk of the town, a new study by Northwestern University is showing a new ray of hope. Let’s unfold it here.

Brain health in old age: The new Study

Here is a study by Northwestern University. Researchers at the university have studied a group of individuals aged 80 and older with exceptional brain health. They are being called ‘superagers.’

This group of people, in terms of cognitive function, can challenge people 20 to 30 years younger. It means these 80-year-old people can put those in their 50s to shame.

Now, the scientific inference is that strong memory in old age has a link to a neurobiological profile.

It opens a new horizon… a completely new direction in clinical research of brain health.

Researcher Findings

After thoroughly researching 290 participants (SuperAger brains, who donated their brains after their death), it was found that some brains contained a strong presence of amyloid and tau proteins.

However, others did not show any such proteins. These brains have better resilience to brain issues. This has helped them prevent dementia.

After thoroughly studying these brains, the researchers found some defining characteristics of this brain group.

• The SuperAgers have more immature neurons in their hippocampi compared to the other group, and even younger individuals.

• Moreover, these immature neurons have unique epigenetic characteristics.

• A region in the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex is thicker in this brain group. It supports decision-making. It is one of the habits of mentally sharp elderly individuals.

• This group of elderly people has strong social connections, and they maintain close relationships.

However, the entire study is still under observation and in the research stage, and more interesting insights are expected to unfold in the coming years.

How Elderly People Can Cope with Alzheimer's and Dementia

Are you someone from Kolkata outskirts like Birati, North Dumdum?

Do you have elderly people in your house? You must see a neurologist in Kolkata for memory problems. 

In addition, you could also look for elderly care in North Dumdum. Doctors can best assess the mental health of elderly people and offer suggestions. However, here are some ways through which your grandma or grandpa could maintain their brain health:

Physical Activity
Regular physical exercise is extremely helpful in maintaining the overall health and well-being of elderly people.

Engagement in Brain-Stimulating Games

Any professional offering elderly care in North Dumdum may recommend brain-stimulating games like chess. Yes, there are some obvious benefits of playing chess for the brain. This could be one of the best activities for elderly people to keep their brain health intact.

Environmental Safety

You must try to make the environment safer by limiting clutter. It helps in bringing down stress and frustration among older people. Consider it an important brain health tip.

Support Groups

Numerous Alzheimer’s support groups help elderly people with coping mechanisms.

FAQs

How to treat dementia patients in their homes?
Give your senior health tips, Birati, from a brain doctor. That’s the best choice. However, you could make them engage in a daily routine for your elderly person.

Is memory loss a normal part of ageing?
Yes, a brain without engagement may develop mild forgetfulness. In such cases, the individual needs brain stimulation.

How does chess playing help in brain resilience?
Playing chess involves memory, deep concentration, and problem-solving skills. It keeps the brain deeply engaged and creates resilience.

Does a sedentary lifestyle affect brain functioning?
Yes, most likely. With inactivity, your brain starts to age rapidly, and individuals may develop brain problems at an older age.

What are the best brain activities to keep the brain safe from ageing?
Some of the best brain activities that keep elderly people engaged include puzzles, chess, and learning new skills.