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Brain games that can help reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease

US Researcher’s presented the analysis of a 10-year study on patients to evaluate if computerized brain training programs could reduce the risk of dementia. The findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto and are the first of this kind. The participants received 1-hour training sessions over a period of five weeks followed by booster sessions. Cognitive and functional changes in brain activity were measured at 0,1,2,3,5,10 years and significant benefits were noted. Here are some brain games that are known to be beneficial against dementia.

  1. Chess

Glass Chess Pieces on a Frosted Glass Chess Board

Playing chess regularly has tremendous effects on our brain power and intellect. It has been shown again and again that those that regularly play chess have higher levels of cognitive functions than those that do not. The game is believed to have a multidirectional effect on the brain. It increases focus and improves memory, which in turn reduces risks of dementia at older ages. The game also improves I.Q. levels and problem solving capabilities in a player, in addition to building creative thinking and developing critical decision making.

  1. Jigsaw puzzles

Close-up Of A Person Joining Two Jigsaw Pieces On Desk

People that engage in challenging jigsaw puzzles can improve their short-term memory and also cognitive power. Practicing solving jigsaw puzzles throughout life seems to be more beneficial than engaging in the game in later years. The famous McArthur Study cites, that people that have actively practiced solving jigsaw puzzles, crosswords etc had longer life spans and decreased risks of developing Alzheimer’s. This game enhances visual perception of color and shapes, improves short-term memory, increases coordination between the brain hemispheres, develops critical thinking, and heightens creativity.

  1. Sudoku

Sudoku (1)

Playing Sudoku provides our brains with extensive mental exercise. This game of numbers works wonders for the brain power and can be a great way to provide the brain with necessary exercise to keep it fit. This strategic game helps improve memory and logic which have to be applied side-by-side to solve it. The game enhances decision making as well as problem making skills thereby improving brain speed. Regularly playing Sudoku keeps the brain on track and helps reduce risks of dementia in elderly.

  1. Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzle close-up.

Working a lot like jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles can also have positive effects on your brain. When you practice a crossword, you invest a large amount of focus and concentration on remembering the answers. A regular practice of solving puzzles has some healthy effects on building focus and concentration. Building long-term memory, regularly engaging in solving crossword puzzles has potential effects in reducing risks of Alzheimer’s disease in the older ages. Because crosswords demand you to read vague hints and find something meaningful from them, it has positive effects in developing problem solving skills too.

  1. Photo Brain

mid age woman thinking

An addictive and engaging game that is based on improving memory skills is Photo Brain. This game also activates visual susceptibility and increases your speed as well. The game is available on both iOS as well as Android phones for free. Once you start playing this game, you will get addicted to each challenging level, where your memory and brain power is tested against a smaller window of time. The manufacturers claim that they could not cross the level 83 where they had 0.2 seconds to memorize a 10-digit mobile number. Level 72 gives you 0.2 seconds to memorize jumbled numbers and arrange them in ascending order based on their locations.

Some more games for reducing Alzheimer’s

Color Swatch Fan Cutout

A simple game called name your colors where you have to name the color in which a word is written is a great way to increase brain speed and cognitive skills. Games that work on visual searching can also be very helpful to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Simple games such as trying to work with your opposite hand or counting backwards can also stimulate mental exercise.

By keeping the brain actively involved in some game involving problem solving, the mental power as well as speed as greatly enhanced. Practicing brain games can be helpful in fighting dementia.

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