Fun and games for mental health
Brain games
"People who keep their minds active deteriorate less quickly than those who do not," explains Dr. Schiffer. Crafts, games, reading, computers, and developing new skills help to stimulate and exercise your brain.
"There's evidence to suggest that the power of learning works to build new pathways for thought and develops redundancy in your brain that you're going to need as brain cells die," says Dudgeon. "It could be as simple as doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku to learning to play guitar, taking up bridge or learning a new language. It's a little like physical exercise -- if it's boring, you're not going to do it. Find an interest that's going to engage you."
Games can be low- or high-tech, or some combination of the two. The Alzheimer Society offers some great games (updated daily) and activities to tickle your brain. At alzheimer.ca, try:
1. A daily crossword puzzle or two
2. Sudoku
3. Word search.
Think you're too young to worry about memory loss?
"Even if we're not experiencing memory loss we should be doing preventative work," says Schiffer. So remember to exercise, keep your brain busy, watch what you eat and control your heart risk factors and then reward yourself with a fun brain game.
Brain-boosting books and websites
A Better Brain at Any Age by Sondra Kornblatt
Memory Fitness: A Guide for Successful Aging by Giles O. Einstein
The Memory Cure by Majid Fotuhi
Alzheimer Society (Canada)
Find out what you can do to maintain a healthy brain with 7 ways to cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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