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Donate NowLove, Strategy and the Fight to End Alzheimer's: How Students Are 'Checkmating' the Disease
Love shows up in countless ways — through connection, compassion and the choices we make to support the people who matter most. For one Upstate South Carolina high school student, that love has taken shape across a chessboard.
Caton Tsao transformed his passion for chess into a meaningful project that supports brain health, raises critical awareness and fuels the fight against Alzheimer's. And like the game he loves, every move he makes is deliberate and thoughtful.
A Project Rooted in Love and Family
Caton's journey toward the Checkmating Alzheimer's project began at home. Both of his grandparents had Alzheimer's, and seeing their progression firsthand deeply influenced him. "I have witnessed the profound impact of the disease. With this project, I hope to help others in my community."
Checkmating Alzheimer's became a way to honor his grandparents. Just like a chess player planning three moves ahead, Caton decided to approach his efforts with intention.
Making Moves That Matter: The Checkmating Alzheimer's Project
Together with fellow expert chess player and longtime friend Allen Hong, Caton partnered with chess clubs across the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina to host a series of community tournaments — turning what they love into a fundraiser through The Longest Day®, now Do What You Love to End ALZ™, to support the work of the Alzheimer's Association.
Inspired by research that showed challenging your mind can lower your risk of cognitive decline, Caton and Allen taught chess classes at local retirement communities. The sessions brought together seniors, students and the shared joy of learning — a beautiful illustration of how connection across generations can flourish over something as simple as a board and 32 pieces.
Participants weren't just playing a game. They were participating in brain healthy activities.
A Research Project Takes Shape
This sparked an idea. How beneficial can chess specifically be for cognition? Caton and his Checkmating Alzheimer's teammate Aman Sreshta proposed this question to Dr. Kaileigh Byrne, an associate professor of cognitive psychology at Clemson University.
Today, a study is in progress — real-life research inspired by the love of a chess and the desire to make a difference.
Love Is the Ultimate Stragegy
Caton's ongoing initiative is a powerful reminder that love often inspires us to act, especially when someone we care about is affected by Alzheimer's.
His project connects people of all ages and raises funds for crucial programs and research. Behind every move is a simple, powerful motivation: love for family, love for community and love for a future world without Alzheimer's.
His story encourages all of us to lead with compassion and take action. Join Caton in turning your passion into purpose by participating in Do What You Love to End ALZ.