Q: I heard that if you activate the brain with a word game, cross -word puzzle, reading and other activities, it will help prevent memory loss as you get older. Is that true? Is some activities better than other activities?
When Jennifer O’Brien, a psychologist who studies Alzheimer’s disease prevention at the University of South Florida, provides public lectures, often asks if activities such as crossword puzzles and word games will prevent their age -related decrease.
“This is the first question,” she said. “There is a very extensive and general belief that this type of game will help me as I get older.”
She and other experts said the truth was more complicated. Science of whether certain brain activity is helpful or more effective than others is limited, difficult to evaluate, and other aspects of life can be more important.
However, certain kinds of brain activity can potentially strengthen the technology as it is old.
Science
There is little study on whether certain brain stimuli activities such as puzzles and words can affect memory losses. And our research is difficult to interpret.
Dr. O’Brien said, “It is a very difficult question to answer our science so far.
Multiple research have conclusionHowever, people who regularly participate in cognitive stimuli are less likely to experience memory loss compared to those who do not. In general, these analysis includes various types of mental activities such as reading, board games, writing and craft production.
Since this evaluation is very extensive, it is difficult to say that it is difficult to say what other activities such as reading, musical instruments, gardens, or caring for orchids in the garden, said, Joyce Gomes-Osman, a physical therapy of the University of Miami, who specializes in preventing memory loss.
Since most of the research is also correlated, it is possible to find a connection between cognitive activity and memory benefits, but it cannot prove that the activity itself has such advantages. Dr. O’Brien said, for example, those who choose brain stimuli, such as word games, reading and writing, can be less vulnerable to memory loss for other reasons. Perhaps they are more likely to be more rich, less stress or exercise.
And many of these studies ask people to remember their past activities. Dr. O’Brien said it would not always be accurate if this report was carried out, especially if it was carried out to the elderly.
Select the right activity
As people get older, their episodes, which are the ability to remember past events and experiences, tend to be weak, but semantic memories (the ability to remember words, concepts and numbers) are generally strengthened.
When Dr. Gomes-OSMAN decides what is the most helpful activity, think about the technologies you are struggling. For example, if you are struggling with visual or space technology, you may want to try. Puzzles related to the same shape as tangrams. If you want to improve your good exercise skills, try the needle.
But Dr. Gomes-OSMAN said it is important to do what you enjoy. Our brain is likely to be improved by the response to her “noticeable to you in any way” and provides satisfaction. The idea is to customize your demands and interests.
Big picture
Experts said that experts said when they expanded and considered other factors that could play a role when they thought about strategies to prevent age -related memory reduction.
Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care, I am a group of expert groups who review the evidence and recommend dementia prevention and management. 45 %of the dementia cases are estimated. You can potentially prevent it by treating 14 major risk factors. These factors include physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, hearing loss, social isolation and depression.
Since many aspects of lifestyle form a risk of memory loss, experts generally do not recommend a single brain boosting approach. Instead, Dr. Greg Cooper, a specialist and director of the Norton Neuroscience Institute in KY’s Louisville, said, “Various approaches such as physical movement, social participation and healthy diets. Combine.
Nevertheless, Dr. O’Brien said that if he likes certain activities such as craft production or crossword puzzles, there is no reason to stop it. Even if science is not clear, the fact that they bring you joy and participate in you can improve your cognitive and emotional health. And if you have a puzzle with others (maybe you are especially involved in the difficult wars or call a friend when you need help with a crossword clue, social contact will be good for you.
Dr. O’Brien said, “I don’t actually see the cost of doing them.” Why can’t you enjoy them? “
