PHKL Uses Mahjong to Innovate Dementia Care Programs

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Introduces First Mahjong-Based Clinical Programme to Combat Dementia, Combining Gameplay with Cognitive Screening

The programme reflects a growing recognition among healthcare professionals that dementia care extends beyond memory issues to include early detection, holistic support, and adaptive living environments. By leveraging mahjong—a game requiring strategy, pattern recognition, and working memory—PHKL aims to make cognitive stimulation more engaging for older adults while addressing mobility and spatial awareness challenges through rehabilitation medicine.

PHKL’s event was the first of its kind in Malaysia to combine clinical expertise with recreational activities for brain health. In a statement, the hospital said the programme brought together leading geriatricians, rehabilitation specialists, and technology pioneers to discuss cognitive decline, early detection, and dementia care strategies. The integration of digital tools, such as user-friendly cognitive assessments, was highlighted as a key innovation to demystify brain health screening for the public.

Dr. Lee Yoong Wah, a consultant geriatrician at PHKL, emphasised the importance of early screening to distinguish normal ageing from concerning cognitive decline. "Dementia care involves more than just memory problems," she said. "It requires holistic support, including adapting the home environment to help patients maintain their independence." Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Hwee Ming, a rehabilitation medicine physician, noted that core rehabilitation could mitigate mobility issues and spatial awareness difficulties while preserving quality of life.

Adnan Azam Mohammed, co-founder and CEO of Gray Matter Solutions, underscored the role of technology in early intervention. "Modern digital tools make cognitive assessments more accessible and less intimidating for the public," he said. "They are more user-friendly and interactive, which can transform public perceptions towards brain health screening." The programme also drew attention to mahjong’s cognitive benefits, as the game’s strategic and memory-demanding nature aligns with recommendations from cognitive health professionals for older adults.

PHKL’s initiative comes as Malaysia grapples with an ageing population, with dementia and cognitive decline emerging as critical public health concerns. The hospital has made its PHKL Memory Screening Package available to the public, offering assessments for those interested in monitoring their cognitive wellbeing. Interested individuals can contact the PHKL Marketing Department at 011-5122 4125 or visit the hospital’s website for further details.

The programme’s success may prompt broader adoption of recreational therapies in dementia care, particularly in Southeast Asia, where traditional approaches to cognitive health often rely on clinical interventions alone. With Malaysia’s healthcare sector increasingly exploring innovative solutions to address ageing-related challenges, PHKL’s mahjong-based initiative sets a precedent for blending cultural engagement with medical science.

The next steps for the hospital remain unclear, but the event has positioned mahjong as a potential tool in Malaysia’s growing arsenal of dementia prevention strategies.

Related: Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) · Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur