Yes, I think so. Here is some of the evidence that is important to me.
Scientific evidence is just beginning to be gathered. But we do know two things: First, puzzle work develops specific areas of the brain (according to the type of puzzle). They become more active, and apparently grow more neural connections, and possibly more neurons. Just like muscles, parts of the brain grow with exercise. Second, there is some evidence in the scientific literature that those who stay mentally active experience a slower decay of brain function if they later develop Alzheimer's. Solid evidence of this will take years to collect. But in the meantime, we can use what seems likely to be true.
Scott Flansburg is a unique genius when it comes to math problems. He's even been tested on Stan Lee's Superhumans. He set himself out to become fast at math, developed game-like methods, and can do many things people would think are impossible. And he uses a different part of his brain for doing math than most of us - this has been seen on a brain scan. (You can also learn his program; it's cool.)
My mother did crosswords and word-finds for years. Her Alzheimer's proceeded slower than most, and this (among other factors) reduced suffering a lot for her and our family. One distinct benefit was that, even after she had lost the ability to do puzzles, she could sit and work at the book and think she was doing them, and that made her happy.
Note: It's not all about puzzles. My wife's father did advanced theology and also prayed and read his bible. He's surviving a serious brain injury very well for over 3 years now. He enjoyed theological reading until recently, and still enjoys Bible reading and prayer.
For myself, I wrote two hubs this month. One was about a game: Pangrams, and I worked it intensely. This activated my creative intelligence, allowing me to complete another hub about the history of the Battle of Britain, which included some very challenging creative thinking based on a lot of research.
So, yes, I encourage puzzling, challenging reading, writing, and thinking. As my friend, life and athletic coach Dan Millman says: "Use it or lose it."
you make some strong points SidKemp, brain exercise is a good thing. a strong brain makes a healthier mind.....
Thanks Love of Night. A strong brain makes for the ability to have a healthier mind. Then we direct that mind to do good, creative, healing, and nourishing things for ourselves and others . . .
I usually believed that puzzles were very good exercises for the brain but after reading a short article about puzzles on Lumosity.com, It changed my opinion.
I think you should visit Lumosity.com for better explanation.
thanks for the response moronkee, i'll look into the site now.
by Andrew 4 years ago
What are the top 5 puzzle pc games?Puzzle games are challenging and fun to take a break from gore and violent games. So what puzzle games are the best to play with your friends or yourself?
by Vanita Thakkar 24 months ago
This is a thoughtful and inspiring response to Brenda's word prompt on Puzzle by Vidya Sagar ....Brenda is a great writer / poetess and an inspiring human being. We are all sad at the irreparable loss she has suffered because of the passing away of Ron and our hearts reach out to her. You are in...
by Linda Bilyeu 10 years ago
In which ways do you exercise your brain?
by J Antonio Marcelino 10 years ago
Do you still purchase physical/boxed jigsaw puzzles? Or have you gone digital?I was talking with someone who enjoys solving digital jigsaw puzzles on their iPhone/iPad. They just take a photo of something and there's an app or software that allows you to tun it into a jigsaw puzzle. You...
by jaydawg808 10 years ago
What is the most relaxing puzzle that you do?Crosswords? Sodoku?? What do you like to do?
by Graham Gifford 11 years ago
What is the difference between a PUZZLE and a MYSTERY?
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