How Puzzles Alleviate Cognitive Issues in Elderly

A study has been performed by a neurologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York that showed how puzzles are helping the elderly with cognition. Dr. Alan Mazurek stresses that puzzles are not as valuable as human interaction but explains that they can help to keep parts of the brain sharply functioning.

A paper was published that stated Seniors Care Cedar Falls who performed activities like playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and meeting friends for lunch had better memory and cognitive function and they performed better in those areas than individuals who don’t interact with others.

Role of Puzzles in Cognition

Generally, it was reported that puzzles are excellent for memory and cognitive function, but a simple human interaction is very important and more helpful overall. Seniors should go out and meet friends, visit their local senior center or interact with others at their local library.

The brain is similar to a ball of clay as it’s moldable and can change. The brain can constantly grow and reshape while cells continuously connect within. Additionally, it contains chemicals that can be enhanced by certain activities. For instance, with memory, the hippocampus is involved. If your loved one has an interest in art and music, the parietal lobes in the right hemisphere of the brain are involved. The left hemisphere is responsible for math.

How the Brain Works

However, the brain works as a full, cohesive unit. Its nerve tissue grows in much the same way as muscles. In other words, if one area of the brain is being used, so is the entire brain.

At one point in time, there was a debate among people who believed the brain was made up of "splitters." These people thought parts of the brain were separate from the others and that one area didn’t affect the others and so forth. However, now that there is a better understanding of how the brain works, it is known that any type of brain exercise can have a positive effect on the brain as a whole and help it to function better overall.

Types of Puzzles to Challenge the Brain

When it comes to the specific types of puzzles that the elderly can use to improve their brain function, it really depends on the individual’s comfort level. In other words, someone who has always been adept at math might want to try puzzles that involves mathematical exercises. It’s similar to when a person works out and performs the same exercise over and over again. In other words, it’s important to challenge themselves and perform different types of puzzles in addition to those with which they are most comfortable.

Eventually, it’s important to start slowly with puzzles. Help your senior loved ones work their way up gradually, challenging their brain with things with which they may not be as familiar. However, at the same time, they must keep the limitations in mind.

Amelia Taylor is a nature loving and professional writer. She loves to help others find ways to make life fun and aging easier to enjoy life, She works with a href=""Home Care Vancouver to pass on her knowledge and efforts to spread happiness.