Understand the impact of this and other activities on a healthy mind.
Solving crossword puzzles is a favorite activity for those who want to keep their minds active. But can this habit really help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia?
In an interview with Earth you, the geriatric doctor at Health at homeSimone de Paula Pessoa Lima, and the neurosurgeon, Philip Mendes, explain the role of crossword puzzles in brain health and reveal other practices that can contribute to a healthy mind.
Crossword puzzles activate memory
According to the geriatrician, activities such as crossword puzzles provide essential cognitive stimuli, activating functions such as memory and reasoning.
“These activities encourage the active search for information, exercising both short and long-term memory. Furthermore, they strengthen the ability to solve problems and improve cognitive flexibility,” he explains.
For the geriatrician, these practices help build a “cognitive reserve”, that is, a network of neural connections capable of delaying the appearance of the symptoms of cognitive decline, especially in people predisposed to neurodegenerative diseases.
However, despite the cognitive benefits of crossword puzzles, there is still no scientific evidence that this specific activity can prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Studies such as Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) suggest that cognitively stimulating activities are associated with slower progression of symptoms in some people.
However, the geriatrician believes: “Factors such as genetics, vascular health and lifestyle also play a crucial role in the development of these diseases.”
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Other factors must be considered
Neurosurgeon Felipe Mendes, however, warns that doing crossword puzzles, while beneficial, is not the only or most effective method for brain health.
“Brain health benefits from a combination of habits that go beyond mind games,” he says.
Mendes points out that aerobic physical exercises, such as brisk walking, running and swimming, increase cerebral blood flow and stimulate the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which contributes to the formation of new neuronal connections.
According to the doctor, other factors are also fundamental for the brain, such as a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, the quality of sleep and stress control.
He explains that a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, omega-3-rich fish and olive oil has a protective effect against brain aging. Additionally, “during sleep, toxins are ‘cleaned up,’ such as beta-amyloid proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” he says.
Social interaction is another activity that promotes brain health. For Mendes, socializing with other people and participating in social activities can stimulate the brain areas responsible for memory and language, as well as promoting emotional well-being.
In short, solving crossword puzzles can actually be beneficial for the brain and even help delay the symptoms of cognitive decline, as geriatrician suggests.
However, maintaining brain health requires a broad approach, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, quality sleep and social interaction. It is this set of actions that, in fact, can make the difference in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases over the years.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
