Brain Games for Maintaining Mental Sharpness
Games are one way to keep utilizing your neurons and maintain a healthy brain. The scientific data keep building on how flexible and adaptable the brain is. The term ‘neuroplasticity’ captures this flexibility. Neuronal connections that get used are strengthened and enhanced. Any neuronal connections that don’t get used get pared back or removed. Cards, puzzles and board games help you use various parts of the brain and maintain strong functioning of the cognitive skills being used. These brain games can even be helpful for those who may have limited mobility, since they don’t require a lot of physical activity.
Playing brain games help promote brain health and the more diverse games you play, the better. Brain games and exercises encourage the use of visualization, memory, sequencing, decision making and even executive function skills.
Playing brain games help promote brain health and the more diverse games you play, the better. Brain games and exercises encourage the use of visualization, memory, sequencing, decision making and even executive function skills.
Depression is not only a cause of memory loss, it is also a result. It is typical for those who notice that their memory is slipping to withdraw from social interaction. Playing games with family or friends can help anyone be more social and have verbal interaction. Social interaction involves many different aspects of cognitive function and is quite complex. If you have an older loved one at home, make sure to stock up on some brain games that the entire family can play and have fun.
Some of the best brain games for brain health
Mahjong
Mahjong helps players enhance their cognitive abilities. This game helps strengthen planning, memory and calculation skills. The physical game of mahjong also helps with hand-eye coordination.
Checkers
Checkers only requires two players and can be played with younger members of the family. Checkers help enhance brain activity and mobility. Checkers games are also available in large print which can be helpful for seniors.
Bingo
Movies show that bingo is one of the most popular games in senior care facilities. Bingo helps with concentration, listening skills and promotes movement.
Chess
Chess is a game of strategy that can greatly help the elderly. Chess involves complex problem solving and logical reasoning. Although chess is a complicated game that takes time to learn and significant focus to play, it can be enjoyed by a broad age range of players.
Scrabble
Did you know that Scrabble also comes in a large print version specifically designed for the elderly? Scrabble is a classic game that everyone can play. Research shows that playing Scrabble can help reduce the risk of dementia.
Crossword puzzles
Crossword puzzles are great fun and enhance vocabulary and short-term memory skills. They also help improve visual recognition and concentration for the elderly.
Word search
This game helps with visual recognition. It also helps exercise the brain by sharpening reasoning skills. This game can be played in groups or alone.
Solitaire
Solitaire can be played on your computer or the old fashioned version, using a deck of cards. This game helps keep the brain active by pattern recognition and visual attention. The old fashioned version also helps manual dexterity.
Poker
There are many benefits of playing poker. It helps improve learning ability, mathematical skills and logical thinking skills. Other benefits include focus and discipline. All of these benefits greatly help the elderly.
Bridge
Bridge is often thought of as a game older ladies play. It has been more popular in previous generation, but it is an outstanding, challenging game. Bridge offers intellectual stimulation, mathematical acuity, practice thinking and planning ahead, and social stimulation. Studies have shown that bridge helps delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
