Doing word and number puzzles is an excellent way to pass the time. But did you know that it could give you a sharper brain and better mental speed, too?
A study shows that adults aged 50 who regularly play puzzles like Sudoku and crosswords have sharper brain functions. In their study, researchers from the University of Exeter and King’s College London asked respondents to report the number of times that they do number and word puzzles. Then, they had them undertake several cognitive tests to measure their brain function.
Get better brain function and mental speed
Study results show that those who regularly engage in puzzles have better performance on their assessment. On top of that, their brain function is just like that of an individual who is 10 years younger.
The improvements are apparent in terms of accuracy and speed of their performance. Although the results don’t say that it can help reduce the chances of developing dementia later in their life, regular use of crossword puzzle books for adults can help keep brains working for longer.
Exercise your brain with challenging games
There are so many games that aim to improve mental functioning and alleviate brain aging. That is why it is crucial to find the best one that will work for you.
One of the most popular brain games is the highly addicting Sudoku. It is a number placement game that relies on the player’s memory. To complete the entire puzzle, you need to follow trails of events and use it to look ahead. The planning involved in the game helps improve a person’s short-term memory, as well as concentration.
Like crosswords, Sudoku is a famous brain game that you can play either on paper or online. You can purchase a Sudoku book in most retail stores. But if you are not into paper, you can also download a mobile app that offers free Sudoku games.
If you are fond of playing online, you can try My Brain Trainer to give you some mental exercise. It is identical to other apps like Happy Neuron. However, the game is available at a three-month subscription cost on top of other services. If you want to subscribe to the game, the annual subscription offers the best deal.
The website is complete with challenges designed to help boost your mental fitness. The site highly recommends doing 10 minutes of brain training twice a day. Doing so will help you get the best results. Going through the basic training program can help you boost your mental speed, too.
There are other ways to help you sharpen your mind, especially if you are nearing your golden years. So, try to know which one is best for you by basing it on your interests. If you are into solving puzzles, then you should try to find games that will provide you with the right solution to your problem. It is always best to keep your mind healthy to prevent any deterioration caused by old age.
