Question: Do puzzles and memory exercises really help to stave off getting Alzheimer’s disease?
Answer: Using the brain by doing various “cognitive activities” like puzzles, reading newspapers and books, watching television or playing cards and board games does help stave off Alzheimer’s. Research does indeed show that more frequent activity to stimulate memory and learning is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to older folks who spend little time stimulating their brain.
Another interesting way to ward off dementia, which may be too late for some, is to speak more than one language on a regular basis. In the March 30 issue of the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, researchers found that being bilingual can offer protection from the symptoms of dementia.
