Brain : crossword puzzles preserve his youth

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Published the 17.07.2017 at 12h54

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The activity is often associated with retirement and the after-noon, in front of the tv. Wrong. Because crossword puzzles do not help only to pass the time. They are also beneficial for the brain. That reminds of a british study presented at the annual conference of the Alzheimer’s Association, organized in London (United Kingdom) from 16 to 20 June.

This observation is based on the follow-up of 17 000 people aged at least 50 years. Interviewed by the Internet, all of which responded to questionnaires on their practice word games. These volunteers also took tests that aim to measure their brain function. Nine characteristics were evaluated.

Once per day

The lovers of crossword puzzles seem to significantly privileged compared to those who do never. Compared to a practice non-existent, short-term memory or the capacity of the grammar of cruciverbistes are improved. The more fortunate are those who fill the grids at least once per day. Attention, reasoning, or speed of thought are at very high levels.

For the researchers, fill out these crossword returns to slow down the brain aging. The followers of the most buffs have a body 10 years younger than his actual age. Something to inspire health professionals specializing in the care of cognitive decline.

“Among the factors involved in dementia, many are preventable, recalls Clive Ballard, who participated in the work. It is essential, therefore, that we will be able to define the factors related to the mode of life that allows people to maintain a healthy brain, and limit the progression of diseases. “

The cognitive reserve

For all that, to say that the crossword puzzle protect against neurodegenerative diseases would be premature. These results still need to be confirmed in intervention studies. This would allow researchers to see the impact, in real time, a consistent practice of the crossword puzzle.

But fans of word games will be able to reassure himself. It is not the first time that a link is established between the completion of these grids and a lower cognitive decline. In the past, studies have even suggested that, thanks to the cognitive reserve, it is possible to keep a brain young.