Memory Improvement Games
September is World Alzheimer’s Month.
While there is still much to be learned about Alzheimer’s Disease, recent studies have shown that keeping your brain active is consistently linked with a decreased risk of a decline in thinking skills. Exercising your brain becomes just as important as exercising your body, and continuing to use those neurological connections doesn’t have to be boring.
7 Memory Improvement Games
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Problem-solving video games
- Match pairs card game
- Chess
- Rebus puzzles
5 more mentally engaging activities
- Attend a local adult education class and learn something new, whether it’s a second language, a craft, or even a musical instrument. Classes are often offered at your YMCA, library, or community center. Local colleges and universities often offer continuing education classes as well.
- Spend some quality time with the grandkids by dusting off those old board games, or start up a weekly game with friends like dominos or cards. You’ll enjoy the social aspects of these activities as much as the brain benefits. Brush up on the rules to your favorite card games, set a time and place to meet, and let the fun begin!
- Try out a paid online site, like Lumosity.com, that customizes brain-stimulating activities based on your goals and objectives. Claiming 50 million users, Lumosity features games designed by neuroscientists and updated on a regular basis. The site offers a free two-week trial so you can see if you enjoy this type of activity.
- Take some time to free write or journal every day. No one has to see it, and it doesn’t need to be the greatest writing. Just take the time to write down your thoughts on various topics, memories, or even world events, to keep your brain synapsis firing. Another great activity is to record your memories or thoughts for your children or grandchildren, who will enjoy learning about how you grew up or what you’ve experienced in your life.
- Simply dive into the Internet to research and learn new things. Sites like Wikipedia are excellent about cross-referencing, so that you can continue the path of learning by clicking on links on keywords or related topics. Simply type in a topic the site’s search bar, and you’re off. Before you know it, you’ve been researching – and working out your brain – for hours.
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Megan Hammons
Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.