It seems like everyone is worried about their memory these days, and it is no wonder since about 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. And unfortunately, we don’t have a cure. Although pharmaceutical treatments continue to be developed, additional attention is focusing on lifestyle choices that may have a significant impact on whether you will develop dementia.
We need much more research, but promising studies show that what we eat, how active our bodies are, and how we use our minds can make a difference. Memory games and brain exercises are fun and challenging and can improve your mind, even if you already have some cognitive impairment. Let’s take a look.
Do Memory Games Work?
Only some memory games have been studied—some using older subjects without dementia and others with dementia. Until they are studied, it isn’t possible to know if other games may be beneficial. Here are some examples:
- One study used the video games Super Mario and Angry Birds with older adults. Memory performance was equal before the games. After two weeks, the game playing resulted in improved recognition memory. Memory continued to improve after an additional two weeks of playing Super Mario compared to players of Solitaire. The Angry Birds players did not show the same two-week improvement.
- A 2020 review looked at research on games and their benefits for dementia care. Researchers explored three types of games: board games, video games, and virtual reality games. According to the review, people with middle and early-stage dementia improved short-term memory, reaction time, problem-solving, communication, and reasoning.
- Another study examined the brain training of 2,800 people over the age of 65. The findings showed that several weeks of brain training improved the skill that the game targeted.
Remember, these are just a few studies, and whatever games you choose will likely have some benefits.
Benefits of Memory Games and Brain Exercises
Let’s explore how memory games and brain exercises can improve cognition and provide other benefits.
- Different Games for Different Functions. Mixing it up with games can target the three areas of memory – short-term, working, and long-term. For example, crossword puzzles or Sudoku can enhance problem-solving and long-term memory retrieval.
- Cognitive Reserve. Stimulating activities can help the brain retain its function despite any age-related brain changes.
- Fun. Games can be fun, especially when played with others. Fun can improve mood and reduce stress.
- Social Interaction. We know that social interaction reduces loneliness, which is a risk factor for mental and physical health problems. Playing games with others encourages interaction, laughter, and cooperation.
Examples of Games and Exercises to Try
The games you decide to try will vary according to your preferences, ability, cost and availability. Don’t be afraid to try different games from time to time to keep things stimulating and give your brain an additional challenge. Here are just a few.
- Sudoku. Sudoku is available online, as an app, or on paper. The game requires looking ahead and following trails of sequences. The nice thing about Sudoku is that you can start with easier versions and progress to more difficult ones.
- Wordle. Wordle is a web-based game that has exploded in popularity. You get six tries to guess a five-letter word.
- Letter-Boxed. Letter-boxed is a New York Times game that challenges you to create words from letters in a box without using consecutive letters on one side.
- Luminosity. Luminosity is a brain training program. You can sign up for a free account or subscribe for more offerings. Luminosity has been shown to improve attention and motor speed.
- Crosswords. Crosswords are the classic brain game that you can do in the newspaper, in a crossword book or online. Crosswords challenge your knowledge base, verbal language, and memory.
- Happy Neuron. Happy Neuron divides its games and activities into five critical brain areas: memory, attention, language, executive functions, and visual/spatial. The game tracks your progress. A subscription is required.
- Scrabble. Scrabble is the classic game of improving your vocabulary and strategizing. You can play Scrabble as a board game with friends or online.
Other Ways to Challenge Your Brain
There are countless ways to challenge your brain that don’t require much time and can have significant benefits. Here are some proven ideas.
- Learn a new skill. The possibilities are endless. Try a new language or craft, take a different walking route, start writing in a journal, or learn a musical instrument.
- Meditation. Meditation requires creating a different mental state, which improves mood, attention, and flexibility.
- Reading. Try reading something different than you are used to. If you usually choose non-fiction, read a history or science book.
- Conversation. Try engaging friends by bringing up different topics for conversation that will challenge everyone’s brain.
- Change your routine. Habituation isn’t a bad thing, but it breeds complacency. Change your route to the grocery store, or try using your opposite hand when eating or doing tasks.
Start today by engaging in fun and challenging games. Remember, they are only games, so don’t pressure yourself to perform. The important thing is to constantly exercise your brain to build resilience, flexibility, and attention.
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