Alzheimer's Association endorses brain games

- Mon, 8 Oct 2007

The Alzheimer's Association of Canada has launched a two-year campaign urging people to do regular memory exercises to ensure they keep the disease at bay.

"Our caregivers as well as our owners and staff across Canada know first hand the value of keeping the minds of seniors active," a spokesman for a nationwide senior care service told Canada's Financial Times. It called exercising the brain the mental equivalent of  "brisk walks, swims, bike rides, weight training, push-ups etc". The  spokesman recommended the following ways to keep the mind fit:

1. Try your hand at regular crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

2. Join a local club that plays board games such as Scrabble and card games like Bridge.

3. Keep a lively interest in current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines.

4. Play interactive computer games. "These have become popular for all ages but are crucial for seniors", said the report.

Overall the story recommended that brain training computer activities were the best option. "The formal approach is better for most because, like physical exercise, a daily routine demands consistent involvement and gets better results", the paper said.  Click here to read the full story.

The brain training computer exercises offered by Headstrong Cognitive Fitness have been designed by a neuropsychologist to strengthen the brain pathways associated with 5 cognitive domains: memory; problem solving; speed; language; and concentration. These naturally diminish as we age.  Discover the neuroscience behind these  brain exercises and how you can increase the memory capacity of your brain by clicking here.