from New England Journal of Medicine Evidence
We’ve been told for years that doing crossword puzzles may help slow memory loss. With the advent of computer video games, have crossword puzzles lost their value? Nope! Researchers at Columbia and Duke Universities show crossword puzzles have an advantage over video games for memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were given training for crossword puzzles or cognitive video games for twelve weeks. One of the more striking findings reported to New England Journal of Medicine Evidence is long-term brain shrinkage was less for those doing crossword puzzles. The authors say the study highlights the importance of engagement—that is keeping the brain active and challenged as we get older.