According to The Economist, the results of a recent study published in the journal Neurology suggest that engaging in brain-stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles may help slow the rate of cognitive decline associated with old age.
The news source reports that the study was conducted by neuropsychologist Robert Wilson at Rush University in Chicago, and was aimed at uncovering whether or not the rise in popularity of brain-training games was actually having an impact.
The research team asked participants how frequently they engaged in mind-stimulating activities like reading newspapers and books, playing chess or visiting museums.
What Wilson and his team discovered was that, while participating in mentally-stimulating pastimes may help overcome the cognitive decline associated with dementia, it does not make it go away completely. Even still, the news outlet recommends keeping one’s mind active because it can delay many adverse symptoms.
This news may become increasingly important in the coming years, as the population of older adults in the United States is expected to grow very quickly. The Administration on Aging estimates that there will be 72.1 million people over the age of 65 by 2030.
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