The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study that revealed a healthy lifestyle could lower dementia risk, even for people who are genetically prone to the disease.
Results from another study show older adults who make healthy choices in 4 or 5 of the areas listed below were 60 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s:
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- Diet
- Exercise Regimen
- Alcohol Consumption
- Smoking Status
- Engagement in Mentally Stimulating Activities
Cross one healthy lifestyle habit off your list by weaving cognitive activities into your spare time. We’ve compiled our top 5 suggestions below!
Crossword Puzzles
Found in newspapers, mobile apps, on the internet, and even at your local merchandise store, crossword puzzles are a great way to challenge yourself and exercise your brain. Most crossword puzzle books allow you to navigate through different difficulty levels from beginner to expert.
Research published in the The New England Journal of Medicine suggests people with mild memory problems who did web-based crossword puzzles showed improvement in cognition and experienced less brain shrinkage, compared to those who played web-based cognitive games.
Sudoku
Sudoku puzzles are typically a 9×9 puzzle with numbers randomly filled in. The numbers provided are clues to help players fill in the rest of the table, with the result being numbers 1-9 in each row, column and quadrant without duplicating numbers. You can learn how to play sudoku here.
Sudoku puzzles challenge your memory and force you to problem-solve and concentrate for an extended time. Completing a Sudoku puzzle can leave you feeling very accomplished.
Scrabble
Most people are familiar with Scrabble, or its online cousin, Words With Friends. Players take turns earning points by forming words from their letter tiles. This game enhances vocabulary (a teammate may use a word that you did not originally know), challenges your thinking, and forces you to use fast reasoning and strategy. Scrabble is played in groups, making it a great way to socialize while also exercising your brain.
Chess
Although it can be more complicated than learning the games above, the game of Chess is a great way to challenge your mind. It requires your full concentration, logic, memory, and constant forward-thinking problem-solving as you respond to your opponent’s moves. No human opponent is necessary with most Chess online/app programs, which use a computer opponent that can be set to a variety of different skill levels.
Chess also opens a great opportunity to socialize with others through a local chess club or chess tournaments with family members. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests social engagement is associated with reduced rates of disability, mortality, and may also reduce the risk for depression.
Reading
The Alzheimer’s Association also suggests it’s important to participate in activities that expose your mind to new topics. What better way to fill your brain with fresh ideas, thoughts, and stories, than by reading?
If you don’t know where to begin, ask family and friends for book recommendations and head to the library from there! You are more likely to finish the book if it’s something that interests you and trips to the library will be much easier if you come with a list of options. Keep an open mind and explore different genres to see what captures your attention the most.
A New Way to Challenge Your Brain
While these cognitive activities alone will not reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, adding these activities into your week along with a healthy diet, exercise routine and non-smoking status could keep you mentally healthy longer.
Note: Someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s Disease every 65 seconds. If you are worried about your cognitive abilities, consult with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Need help making an appointment? If you are an ACN member, contact our concierge to schedule a doctor’s visit at (602) 406-7226,
text message at (602) 613-5797 or email members@azcarenetwork.org.
