Alzheimer's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

25. Can crossword puzzles and other "brain games" prevent Alzheimer's? - cont'd

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In one recent clinical trial, computer-based brain exercises helped adults age 65 and older with mild memory impairment improve their reasoning skills and how quickly they processed information. Older adults with normal memory, but not those with impaired memory, improved their memorization skills after receiving memory training. All of these improvements were still noticeable 5 years after the training. The researchers concluded that certain mental activities can produce lasting improvements in older adults' thinking skills and quality of life.