Who knew mahjong could be part of a brain health check?
That was the idea behind World Alzheimer’s Month 2026: A Brain Health & Mahjong Day, hosted by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Bringing together the familiar game of mahjong with expert health conversations and digital cognitive assessments, the event offered a fresh take on how social activities can be part of the conversation around brain health.
The event also marked a first for PHKL, making it the first hospital to integrate competitive social mahjong into a clinical brain health programme. Medical specialists, health technology pioneers and community partners came together to shine a light on cognitive decline, early detection and the importance of taking a more holistic approach to dementia care.
Expert Insights: Diagnosis, Care, and Early Detection
During the expert panel discussions, medical specialists and tech leaders emphasized that dementia care extends far beyond memory loss, requiring early detection and holistic support. Dr. Lee Yoong Wah (Consultant Geriatrician) distinguished normal age-related slowing from concerning cognitive decline, emphasizing structured home adaptations that preserve patient autonomy, while Dr. Lee Hwee Ming (Consultant Rehabilitation Physician) highlighted how targeted rehabilitation addresses impaired mobility and spatial awareness to maintain quality of life.
Expanding on diagnostic pathways, Dr Mohamed Seenikatty Abdul Hakim (Consultant Geriatrician) clarified that screening creates a baseline for early lifestyle and therapeutic interventions rather than giving a terminal diagnosis, and Mr. Adnan Azam Mohammed (Co-Founder & CEO of Gray Matter Solutions) demonstrated how modern digital tools make cognitive testing more accessible and less intimidating for the public.
First Hospital to Combine Cognitive Science and Mahjong Social Play
Breaking away from traditional medical forums, PHKL partnered with Gray Matter Solutions and Jom Mahjong to transform the event space into an interactive gaming arena. Following a brief tutorial led by Zed Lee YiJiang, Founder and President of Jom Mahjong Social Club, participants engaged in a lively Mahjong Social Play & Brain Health Challenge across 25 tables.
Mahjong is increasingly recognized by cognitive health professionals as an ideal mental exercise for older adults and the general public alike. The tile-based game demands strategy, pattern recognition, and working memory, while simultaneously encouraging social interaction, key factors in building cognitive reserve and maintaining mental agility.
Launch of Cutting-Edge Digital Memory Screening
As part of its ongoing commitment to early intervention, PHKL highlighted its partnership with Gray Matter Solutions through the introduction of digital cognitive testing tools. Designed to provide a more holistic assessment of cognitive health, the package combines laboratory tests, a specialist consultation, and digital cognitive screening. The digital assessment evaluates key cognitive functions including memory performance, reaction speed, and executive brain function, while the laboratory tests and specialist consultation provide further clinical insights to support a more comprehensive evaluation.
Members of the public seeking to proactively track their cognitive wellness can access PHKL’s comprehensive Memory Screening Package, which incorporates advanced digital cognitive assessments to evaluate memory performance, reaction speed, and executive brain function. Details regarding the screening package are available here.
