Mental stimulation as an ally against Alzheimer's:

Guatemala, September 2025 - Every September 21st, World Alzheimer's Day is commemorated, a date that seeks to raise awareness about this disease that affects millions of people worldwide and impacts not only those who suffer from it, but also their families and caregivers.

In Central America, it is estimated that some 180,000 people live with Alzheimer's disease, and in Guatemala alone, between 70,000 and 80,000 cases are reported.¹ Furthermore, it is estimated that the number of diagnoses could increase significantly during the next decade, due to population aging and the lack of cases diagnosed in early stages.

Cognitive stimulation: a preventive approach

In this context, Odeth González, Kumon franchise consultant in Mexico and Central America, emphasizes the importance of keeping the mind active throughout life: "Mental stimulation and continuous learning are key strategies for strengthening memory, improving concentration, and fostering mental agility. These benefits are not exclusive to children and young people; they are also fundamental for adults and older people, helping to prevent cognitive decline from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's."

This Japanese methodology offers a structured approach, based on daily practice and the development of study habits that promote autonomy, discipline, and the ability to solve intellectual challenges. These skills are useful tools for keeping the mind active throughout life, contributing to building a valuable cognitive reserve for aging.

Kumon trains cognitive processes and thinking skills, such as working memory, attention, concentration, mental agility, and logical reasoning, which, when practiced daily, are associated with a better quality of life and healthy intellectual development.

Benefits for all ages

• Childhood and adolescence: intellectual foundation, self-confidence and passion for learning are enhanced.

• Adulthood: those who resume their studies or challenge their minds strengthen their memory and cognitive flexibility.

• Older adults: continuous learning acts as a protective factor, enhancing neuronal connectivity and supporting brain health.

Odeth González offers some educational habits that promote memory and mental health:

1. Exercise your mind: Dedicate a moment each day to keeping your brain active with activities like puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, or crosswords. You can also read books, articles, or listen to podcasts to stimulate comprehension and memory. Another enriching option is to learn something new, such as a language or play a musical instrument, as these strengthen mental agility.

2. Maintain study and problem-solving routines: Set aside specific times each day for activities that require concentration and analysis, such as reviewing a topic of interest, solving math problems, or learning new digital skills. These practices help strengthen focus, increase discipline, and develop consistency. For example, aim to solve one case study per week or make progress in an online course.

3. Socialize and maintain active relationships: Spending quality time with family and friends not only strengthens emotional bonds but also stimulates the mind by exchanging ideas, opinions, and experiences. Social interaction promotes different ways of thinking and helps keep the mind sharp.

“We invite children, young people, adults, seniors, and families in general to explore how educational habits and programs like Kumon can contribute to preserving memory, mental vitality, and strengthening the prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s,” concludes Odeth González.

About Kumon®

Kumon is a Japanese learning method with over 60 years of history, present in more than 60 countries, including Guatemala since March 2023. Kumon is designed to help students of any age and ability progress to reach their full potential and develop their enthusiasm for learning. Through physical or virtual study sheets, and with the help of an instructor, a team of assistants, and parental encouragement, students work at the most appropriate level to develop their abilities and gain fluency in small, manageable steps.

In Guatemala, it has five centers: “Las Américas” Building Américas 10 Zone 13, Plaza “Villaflor” on the road to El Salvador, Décimo de “Cayalá” Zone 16, Plaza Perisur “Zone 11” and Atlantis Building “Zone 10”. Franchises are available in San Cristóbal, El Naranjo and Quetzaltenango.

If you're interested in learning more about Kumon, visit: www.kumon.com Kumon Center Locations in Guatemala: https://www.kumon.com/gt-es/locations Facebook and Instagram: @kumonguatemala

Press contact: Gaby Aguirre | gaby@prevolucion.com | 33843011 Ciny Monzón | ciny@prevolucion.com | 5995 4556