Research has shown that 40% of dementia cases are preventable – so it’s important to build up your ‘cognitive reserve’ by completing puzzles and brain teasers such as this one created by the Alzheimer’s Society
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Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born in the UK today going on to develop the condition in their lifetime – but there are things you can do to reduce the risk.
Dementia is a set of symptoms caused by different diseases, for example Alzheimer’s, which can damage the brain and over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Getting older is the biggest risk factor at developing the disease, but according to research, up to 40% of cases could be prevented.
So it’s incredibly important people do all they can when they are younger to prevent developing the condition, which can be devastating to not only the person who develops it, but everyone around them. One of the things that has been shown to help build up ‘cognitive reserve’, which is a person’s ability to cope with a disease in their brain, and is built up over a person’s lifetime, is puzzles, brain teasers and other tasks.
People with a smaller cognitive reserve have a higher risk of getting dementia – so making sure you do these things regularly can really help. According to research, with regular practice, puzzles may help you build up cognitive reserve, improve brain function and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
In order to help people build up their cognitive reserve, improve brain function and prevent age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s Society’s Head of Knowledge Dr Tim Beanland, has created a book called Mind Games, which features 150 puzzles to challenge memory and thinking skills with pictures, words, numbers and logic.
The Alzheimer’s Society has shared an example with The Mirror, which you can see below. In the example, taken from Mind Games, you will see a number pyramid. There are five levels to the pyramid. Some are filled in, while others need you to work out what goes in there. Dr Beanland explained: «Complete the number pyramid below by writing a number in each empty brick, so that every brick contains a value equal to the sum of the two bricks immediately beneath it.»
This will require some thinking on your part, but the good news is there’s no time limit, so take your time when you try to solve it. This puzzle requires simple simple addition and subtraction, so just focus your mind. If you need help, you can look at the example pyramid, which should make it easier to work out. Head to the bottom of the page to find the answer.
Author of the book Dr Beanland said: «One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia and it’s the UK’s biggest killer. There’s growing evidence that an active lifestyle is closely linked to healthy ageing, in both body and mind. A good way to keep your brain healthy is to be mentally active throughout life, perhaps by learning another language or a musical instrument, or by writing, making art or doing puzzles.
«Central to this idea of cognitive stimulation is that it should challenge you, which often means trying new things: variety is the spice of brain health. My puzzle book, Mind Games, is a useful resource for anyone keen to improve brain health and enhance mental agility.
«And importantly, it’s a fun way to give the brain a good workout. Use it or lose it!»
Mind Games is available to buy on Amazon and in major bookstores. Part of the proceeds will go towards Alzheimer’s Society.
Alzheimer’s Society vows to help end the devastation caused by dementia, providing help and hope for everyone affected. If you’re worried about dementia, call 0333 150 3456, or visit alzheimers.org.uk
