Benefits from Playing GO and BaguaZhang

Is dementia reversible? ...

Is dementia reversible? At present, we have no cure for Alzheimer's, but older people in the early stages of senile dementia should consider the advice of internationally renowned neurosurgeon Mitsuo Kaneko. Kaneko is convinced that victims of this devastating condition can stop its progression if they take up go in the early stages of the disease. PET scans reveal atrophy of a large part of the right brain in those suffering from dementia, and go and musical activities invigorate and develop this part of the brain, There are no known cases of Alzheimer's or dementia among go professionals. Research also indicates go stimulates both the left and the right brain hemispheres and reinforces and thickens the connection between them, because it strikes a balance between specific, tactical calculations and a fuzzy overall strategy. In fact, go embodies all aspects of the old adage: Think globally, act locally.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/columns/0001/372.htm

Playing the BaguaZhang game or any IMA system properly also does the same thing in terms of stimulating both the left and the right brain hemispheres and reinforces and thickens the connection between them.