Solving the dementia puzzle?

There has been plenty of research in recent years showing that playing certain games or doing puzzles may keep you mentally sharp as you age.

And I love to hear it.

In fact, I often encourage you to give your brain a workout.

After all, if doing something fun can stave off cognitive decline—I’m all for it.

Let’s look at some of the latest findings…

Read, write, play, repeat

Over seven million U.S. adults live with dementia. And this dreaded disease costs our healthcare system billions each year.

Not to mention, countless family members and caregivers feel the burden of this debilitating disease every day.

That’s why I love sharing simple suggestions to help ward off cognitive decline.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M University, and Indiana University analyzed medical records of nearly 6,000 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). (This is often a precursor to dementia.)

The subjects were followed for eight years, where they participated in phone interviews and completed self-reported surveys.

Researchers grouped the participants based on how often they engaged in cognitively stimulating leisure activities (CSLAs), like reading, writing, playing board games (like chess), completing crossword puzzles, and more.

Better memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed

It’s important to note that cognitive decline remained evident in all three groups.

But get this: The more subjects engaged in CSLAs… the better their cognitive function. And the slower their continued cognitive decline.

In fact, high levels of engagement translated to better memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed.

Those who spent the most time doing CSLAs fared better than those in the mid group, just as those in the mid group fared better than those who spent the least amount of time engaging in such activities.

What an easy way to keep your brain sharp as you age!

Folks, just as I always encourage you to move your body, I want to take this time to remind you that giving your brain a workout is equally important.

Board games, card games, crosswords, and puzzles are cheap ways to boost your memory while also having fun and spending quality time with the people you love.

Why not also join a book club to keep the benefits trickling in? Now that’s a prescription I can stand behind—good for the body and the soul.

To learn more “no-brainer” ways to fend off cognitive decline, check out my Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Plan. Click here now to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool.

Source:

“This many crosswords each week could benefit our brains as we age.” MDLinx, 09/25/2024. (mdlinx.com/news/this-many-crosswords-each-week-could-benefit-our-brains-as-we-age/2ukp0KVZ2eCiZRGqBxyG60)