🎲 Dominoes and Mental Health: The Therapeutic Value of an Ancient Tradition

"Human well-being stems from the strategy to face challenges, the resilience to keep the mind active, and the satisfaction of being connected with others."

At Neuropsyedu , we firmly believe that mental health is cultivated not only in the consulting room, but also in purposeful leisure activities. Dominoes , that game of black and white tiles that resonates in plazas and homes throughout Latin America, is much more than a pastime: it is an exceptional tool for cognitive stimulation and a pillar of our cultural identity.

🏛️ The Ancient Origin: Did you know where Dominoes come from?

Although we feel it is deeply ours today, dominoes has a fascinating history:

  • Birthplace: He was born in China during the Song Dynasty (12th century).

  • Evolution: Italian merchants introduced it to Europe in the 18th century.

  • Arrival in America: Through European colonization, it took root with special force in the Caribbean and Latin America , becoming a social language that transcends classes and ages.

🌎 Culture, Identity and Neuropsychology

From a neuropsychological perspective , we understand that the brain does not function in isolation; it is built in interaction with its culture. Culture shapes our neural networks and how we process information.

Dominoes, being an activity shared across generations, strengthens the sense of belonging . Playing dominoes is participating in a ritual that connects us with our ancestors, reinforcing our identity and providing a solid foundation of emotional security. A brain that feels "part of something" is a brain with greater resilience to stress.

🧠 Benefits from Neuropsychology: A Mental Gym

When you sit down at the table and "close out" a game, your brain is working at full capacity. These are some of the executive functions that are stimulated:

  1. Working Memory: You must retain the tiles that have already been played and the patterns your opponents are drawing on the table.

  2. Cognitive Flexibility: If the opponent blocks your play, your brain must quickly change strategy.

  3. Mental Calculation: Stimulates logical and rapid numerical processing to count points and predict probabilities.

  4. Sustained Attention: Improves concentration and impulse control by waiting for the precise moment to play.

🔬 Scientific Evidence: Dominoes in Therapy

We don't just say this from clinical experience; science backs it up. Recent research has shown that domino training is an effective tool in therapeutic processes, especially for improving social well-being and cognitive function in older adults.

Summary of findings (Shariati et al., 2024):

A study conducted to evaluate the impact of dominoes on cognitive and social functions found that:

  • It significantly improves short-term memory .

  • It increases the speed of information processing .

  • It reduces feelings of isolation, improving perceived social well-being .

  • It functions as a low-cost but high-impact intervention to prevent cognitive decline.

Reference in APA format 7th Edition: Shariati, A., Fadaee, M., & Khosravi, S. (2024). The effectiveness of domino training on cognitive status and social well-being of older adults. Journal of Medical and Clinical Investigations . https://brieflands.com/journals/jmcl/articles/148666.pdf

👨‍👩‍👧‍ The Family Ally and Digital Disconnection

In a world dominated by notifications, dominoes offer us a digital escape . It's the perfect excuse to put down our phones and connect with our eyes.

  • Communication: Encourage dialogue, anecdotes, and laughter.

  • Social Skills: Teaches how to respect turns, tolerate frustration, and win with humility.

  • Legacy: Create shared memories that last a lifetime between grandparents, parents, and children.

🏅 Conclusion: Your Next Move

Understanding how these processes strengthen our minds is the first step toward cultivating lasting well-being . At Neuropsyedu , we invite you to rediscover this tradition, not just for fun, but as an act of self-care for your mental health.

If you feel you need professional support to enhance your cognitive abilities or those of a loved one, we are here to guide you.

📞 For Mental Health and Neuropsychology consultations, contact us at +507 6535 6362. We will be happy to assist you.