Brain Power Unused Is Brain Power Lost, Perhaps
Subscribe: RSS feedSubscribe: Atom feed
I recently started doing online crossword puzzles, again. Between the hours of 2:30 am to 4:30 am, I'm usually online doing a crossword puzzle or some sort of reading online. Hey, I'm wide awake and bored at those times. [I work the overnight shift at the hospital, and I can't adjust to a "normal" sleep pattern on my days off.]Crosswords help your brain
At first, crosswords were a way of just passing the time. But I found that I really get into them, if they are easy enough. Originally, I did the ones on "www.bestcrosswords.com," which, for me, have a moderate level of difficulty. However, I soon developed a sense of inadequacy due to their scoring system. Every time an incorrect letter is typed in a box, whether on purpose or accidentally, your score gets lowered. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't doing it to get high scores, but it's not reassuring nor rewarding to see that you only get a score of 55% even after successfully completing the puzzle. On this site, an accidental key stroke will result in a a score deduction. And since I make a lot of mitsakes when I type, despite knowing what I'm supposed to type, bestcrosswords.com and me don't gel well together.A more novice friendly site for crossword puzzles is www.webcrosswords.com. There is no penalty for for a mistake during typing. Your score gets deductions if you ask for a hint, or to reveal a letter when you're stumped. Puzzles change daily, and they are not too hard. You can also try the ones at USA Today's site. Both are edited by the same person. I play each site almost daily.Another reason that I enjoy the online crossword puzzles is that it stimulates the brain. Indeed, many health experts will assert that just as the physical body need exercise, so does the brain and the mind. And I agree.What the experts say
The are several studies that show that increasing brain activity, especially during your younger years, may ward off potentially life altering and damaging changes to the brain. Many experts conclude that there may be as much as a 50% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or some other cognitive deficits, or at least a very good chance that you'll slow down the progression by keeping your brain healthy and well exercised.Many of those studies make their conclusions based on associations, rather than cause and effect. In essence, it does not mean that doing things like crossword puzzles will prevent Alzheimer's, or even decrease your risk of developing the disease. It just means that statistically, the presence of Alzheimer's is less correlated with people who engage in brain intensive activities or professions. There may be other factors that influence the disease development or progression.But what most experts seem to agree upon is that mental activity and intellectually demanding professions can help keep the brain healthy, resulting in improved performance that have long lasting effects. Even engaging in recreational hobbies and activities can give your brain a mental boost. The key is to actively engage yourself. Watching television, although recreational, and perhaps even a hobby for many, is passive...it's the opposite of what your brain needs.How to exercise your brain
Crossword puzzles aren't the only things you can do to stay mentally healthy. Obviously, any of those thinking-type puzzles are beneficial: jigsaw puzzles, boggle, word searches, word jumbles, etc. But also more common things like reading or writing can certainly help you hone in on your brain's potential. If you blog, then you know this to be true. Writing plays or creating movies can definitely challenge not only your mental stamina, but also your creative side, as well. Even physical exercise has shown some positive effects in improving mental functioning and delaying the onset of dementia.So put down the TV remote, and pick up a puzzle, read a book, or go for a run. You'll thank me in your old age.-RYFor fun, see these short articles:
For a Healthy Brain in Old Age, Start Early
Hobbies can help Slow Alzheimer's
Brain Workout Benefits
Exercise Helps Sustain Mental Activities as We Age...
Mental Activity May Help Prevent Dementia
I go to Yahoo! word game and play bookworm or text twist. Fun!
Reply to this
I used to RULE Text Twist!
Reply to this