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Frequent brain exercise could be your key to keeping your memory sharp as you age. Research shows that challenging mental activities stimulate the growth of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and preserve the existing ones, thereby effectively protecting a person’s brain health and thinking power from decline.
So, if you are looking for ways to give your memory a boost, make neurobics (brain exercises) a part of your daily life. Below are some good ones.
Crossword Puzzles
Answering crossword puzzles has been proven to be more than a hobby that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. A study done on elderly men and women found that those who frequently did crossword puzzles experienced a delay in memory decline by 2 ½ years.
This is ascribed to the game’s requirement – remembering clues and associations, which can help to build up cognitive reserves and are instrumental in staving off age-related decline.
Online and App-Based Games
There are many online and app-based games designed to help improve your memory. A very popular one is Lumosity, which allows you to play games that are tailored to your specific goals, such as improving your mental sharpness as well as problem-solving skills.
Sudoku
Sudoku has benefits that go beyond merely providing entertainment; it improves mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and concentration, as it has task demands similar to memory processes.
Although sudoku is a game of numbers, it requires no math skills, as it is more of a game of logic. It requires players to remember numbers and place them into a 9×9 grid of small squares in order to complete the puzzle.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles have been shown to improve short-term memory, especially in older adults. Putting together a jigsaw puzzle means having to remember specific shapes and pieces and colors in order to complete it. Such helps you improve your focus and hone your problem-solving skills.
Studies show that those who do jigsaw puzzles have significantly better cognitive function and visual-spatial reasoning as well as lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who don’t.
Neurologists in Southeast Michigan
At Associates in Neurology, our board-certified neurologists aren’t only committed to providing top-notch medical care, but also to guiding patients along the path to optimal brain health. Our specialists use information and education with the goal of empowering patients to advocate for themselves and ultimately helping them lower their risk for dementia and other types of brain diseases.
To learn about our services or to schedule a consultation with one of our neurologists, call our office today at (248) 478-5512. You may also submit an appointment request using this form. We’re eager to serve you at one of our locations: in Farmington Hills, Novi, Howell, or Brighton, MI!
