Brain exercises that can help patients with Alzheimer's disease

When it comes to dealing with a mental health problem as critical as Alzheimer's disease one should always focus on the several ways to keep it functioning.

Brain exercises have proved effective in delaying the severity associated with Alzheimer's disease and has also improved the condition in many patients.

As World Alzheimer’s disease day is being observed today, here are a few brain exercises that can prove effective to prevent the disease.

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A research study had demonstrated the impact of brain training on participants. In the study a total of 2,800 people had participated. The participants were 65 years and older. These people were engaged in a 10 hour long brain training session for over a duration of 5-6 weeks.

The study found that their memory, reasoning ability as well as the pace of processing information improved gradually.

Playing crossword puzzles triggers our cognitive functions in several ways. When we try to remember a word, we recollect our memories associated with that word and are able to establish a connection.

As per a 2011 research study, playing crossword puzzles delayed onset of accelerated memory decline by 2.54 years. The study titled "Association of Crossword Puzzle Participation with Memory Decline in Persons Who Develop Dementia" published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society stresses on the importance of cognitively stimulating leisure activities for mental health issues like Alzheimer's or dementia.

Playing Sudoku can keep complications like Alzheimer's at bay, experts have said. Though having Alzheimer’s disease does not mean for sure offspring will also have it, they are more likely to develop. However, it can be prevented by solving Sudoku, crossword puzzles and chess as it stimulates the brain and keeps it active," Professor Shailendra Mohan Tripathi, faculty at Geriatric mental health department of King George's Medical University (KGMU) told TOI.

Apart from the fact that several researchers have found that chess is effective on cognitive functioning, the amount of mental exercise that goes into playing chess is proof in itself that it is one of the best brain exercises ever.

Playing chess with someone or with self can help people with Alzheimer's.

We all love playing scrabble because we love engaging our mind in framing a new word every time our opponent sets a new target for us.

Playing scrabble requires logical thinking and it also demands from the person the right strategy on putting a new word and where to put it for more points.

So, definitely scrabble is an awesome brain exercise for people suffering from Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases, says the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the world is observing September 21 as World Alzheimer's day.

Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.

The global prevalence of Alzheimer's is at such a high level that it needs proper attention. This progressive disease needs the right interference at the right time so that it is checked then and there itself and does not claim a person's memory and mental functions.