Benefits of Puzzles and Brain Games

Many older adults enjoy the challenges posed by puzzles such as crosswords, word finds and Sudoku. Thus, the idea that there is a correlation between exercising the brain through puzzles and improving its function, just like lifting weights can strengthen the muscles, seems reasonable.

Ongoing studies show that crosswords, when done by older adults, may partially attenuate the negative effects of age on memory and improve the thought processes. The researches found a direct relationship between solving puzzles and the accuracy of varying ranges of functions, including reasoning, attention, and memory recall. Puzzles challenge people to be creative to achieve success, and pave the way for tackling larger challenges and thinking outside of the box.

There is some belief that doing puzzles can slow decline in memory among healthy adults and those who have been diagnosed with dementia. Prior trials by the National Institutes of Health found that the benefits of cognitive training for older adults can last as long as ten years.

Puzzles are stimulating and fun and can be social when shared with others.

—MetroCreativeConnection