Do crosswords and memory games help prevent mental illness? Discover

Someone older will probably have already explained to you that crosswords and memory games help develop mental skills, also preventing diseases. But is it really?

Someone older will probably have already explained to you that crosswords and memory games help develop mental skills, also preventing diseases. But is it really? THE The New York Times interviewed some experts to unravel this mystery. Check:

Improve cognition

When psychologists want to find out whether something improves cognition, they tend to use computer games that focus on improving a specific aspect. Therefore, some brain training games teach strategies to improve a skill or recognize patterns, others gradually increase the speed and difficulty to challenge the brain. In other words, engaging with them can actually improve cognitive abilities in the specific task and other related tasks. For example, people who memorize phone numbers tend to do the same with special dates.

Reduce the risk of dementia

Some studies have already suggested that the more people engage in cognitively stimulating activities, the lower the risk of cognitive impairment. “Among adults who developed dementia, those who regularly completed crossword puzzles delayed the onset of memory decline by more than two years compared to those who did not.”said the North American newspaper.

Prevent cognitive decline

Yes, games like crosswords and memory puzzles can help prevent cognitive decline, but experts suggest that more clinical studies are needed. So far, one of the few studies has shown this “Healthy older adults who played a game designed to improve processing speed had a 29% lower risk of dementia ten years later. Even people who played two other types, a memory task or a problem-solving task , had a reduced risk, although the benefit was not significant compared to those who did not gamble”said the vehicle.

Source: Terra

Ben

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.