Boosting Brain Health With Jigsaw Puzzles
Before the time of video games, children and adults alike passed the time with jigsaw puzzles. We now know that these brainteasers are a better use of our time than video games because they boost our brain health. We will examine how this can be the case in this article.
How Do Jigsaw Puzzles Boost Your Brain Health?
This question has a long answer because puzzles benefit your brain health in several ways. The most beneficial thing you receive from doing them is that they improve your short-term memory. When you solve one, your brain cells develop connections that increase the speed at which you can think or remember things. You will notice that you will remember what you had for lunch a couple of days ago, and you will remember what you planned to do the next day.
You can even increase your IQ level by performing this activity. Researchers learned that your IQ level increases by four points when you do a jigsaw puzzle each day. After all, they exercise both sides of your brain, and they even enhance your ability to solve problems.
A jigsaw puzzle is a matter of trial and error. You have to try one piece to see if it fits into one place. If not, you must come up with another solution. While figuring out the puzzle, you are developing theories and testing the hypotheses. Sometimes, you need to modify your perspective. Then, you can take these skills to the office and show everyone that you are adaptable, capable of critical thinking, and a problem-solver.
The biggest testament to the jigsaw puzzle’s ability to boost brain health is the fact that, if you do them, you are less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia, memory loss, or Alzheimer’s disease in your later years.
The Importance of Adults Doing Things for Their Cognitive Health
If your loved one already has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is not too late to introduce jigsaw puzzles to their list of things to do. They are particularly helpful for this population because they will give everybody’s brain cells a workout. Like with working the muscles, puzzles keep the brain active for a longer period of time, and this slows the rate of memory loss.
You can find jigsaw puzzles that were created just for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The pieces are larger, so there are fewer of them, and they come with nostalgic themes that will trigger your loved one’s memories. They even increase dopamine levels in the brain that enhance recollection, improve confidence and optimism, increase concentration and promote motor skills.
Boosting Brain Health as a Young Adult Will Help as You Age
Jigsaw puzzles stimulate the brain in your young adult years, and this reduces your risk of developing the brain issues we discussed earlier. Even studies demonstrate that, if we regularly keep our brains active throughout our lives, our brains will be less likely to develop the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
