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    Upstate students aim to "Checkmate Alzheimer's"

    Upstate students aim to "Checkmate Alzheimer's"

    On International Chess Day, we're celebrating two Upstate students whose recent "Checkmating Alzheimer's" project worked to promote brain health, one move at a time!



    Caton Tsao and Allen Hong are expert level chess players who have been playing since their childhood. Together, Allen and Caton hosted a series of tournaments with community chess clubs across the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina, raising $1,000 for #TheLongestDay!

    For Caton, the fight to #ENDALZ is deeply meaningful. His grandparents battled with Alzheimer’s disease and could not recognize him as their grandson when he visited them.

    "Personally, I have witnessed the profound impact of the disease on the patient and the family. With this project, I hoped to help others in my community since I couldn’t help my own family member on another continent," Caton said.



    Inspired by the potential cognitive benefits of the game, Caton and Allen also taught chess classes to seniors at local retirement communities. Research shows that challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer's and dementia. Learn more about 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain.

    Thank you to Allen and Caton for using your brains and the game that you love to fight back against Alzheimer's and all dementia. What an amazing project!



    Learn how any fundraising activity of your choice can help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association®