A daily crossword has long been promoted as a great way to keep our brains healthy. Studies show that those that engage in this activity regularly can reduce the onset of cognitive decline. However, conflicting research also suggests that video games and problem-solving tools are more beneficial.
Cognitive Decline Is a Big Problem For Older Americans.
Statistics from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that as many as 1 in 9 adults in the United States will report symptoms of cognitive decline in later years. This worsens with age, with 8% of those in their late 60s affected compared to 15% in their late 70s and 37% of those 85 and over. It is also shown to be more common in Black and Hispanic communities than in other ethnicities.
Studies Into Crosswords For Cognitive Health And Dementia.
Researchers at Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Duke University Medical Center worked on a study to compare the effect of games and crossword puzzles on cognitive impairment. They assigned 56 people to a program of crossword puzzles and 51 to games and tracked their progress. This involved 12 weeks of intensive training with either the computerized game or crosswords, followed by six booster sessions. They measured responses based on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive score.
The results of the study showed more improvements in cognitive function for those on the crosswords side compared to those working with the games. However, the differences aren’t as significant as they may have hoped. Following the tests, there were much better scores in the crossword group after 78 weeks. There were also better signs of brain health in the MRI scans of the puzzle group. However, statistics also show that while 17 of the crossword participants reverted back to normal cognition from a mild impairment, the same happened to 12 of those working with the games.
Although these improvements are encouraging, we can’t assume that crosswords will have a significant impact or stop the onset of dementia. Out of the participants in this study, 6 of the 56 assigned to the crosswords group still went on to develop dementia. It was a similar number in the games group, with 8 of 51. Some cases of early cognitive decline are early symptoms, and progression is inevitable.
The Problem Of Crosswords And Crystalized Intelligence.
It is important to note that other studies don’t show such a positive link between crosswords and reducing cognitive decline. Instead, they suggest that alternative methods or a variety of solutions could be more effective.
One such study was carried out by Zach Hambrick from the University of Michigan back in 1999. He found that participants in his study did not see any change. The reason for this comes down to the importance of the type of cognitive abilities tested when aiding people with cognitive decline.
There are fluid abilities and crystallized abilities, and it is often found that people with mental decline and dementia struggle most with fluid abilities. Crossword puzzles target crystallized abilities, such as verbal ability and social knowledge, where there is prior knowledge crystalized in the brain to tap into. Fluid abilities relate more to abstract reasoning and problem-solving. Therefore, puzzles that focus on these skills, such as jigsaws, model building, or video games, could be more effective.
Crosswords vs Video Games.
The CEO of Re:Cognition Health, Dr. Emer MacSweeney, has highlighted the potential of video games in improving cognitive health. This echoes findings from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Here they tested crosswords against cognition targetting videogames and found those working with crosswords didn’t fare as well.
Of course, these studies highlight key differences between digital video games and paper crosswords, and we can’t overlook their age. The rise in apps for adapted crosswords with video game mechanics could close the gap and provide help with both crystalized and fluid applications.
Using Puzzles For Brain Health.
What is clear here, despite the contradictory studies, is that there is great potential for both types of puzzles. Many that use crossword puzzles do see improvements, but we can’t overlook the potential of other problem-solving puzzles and video games for helping with fluid intelligence. Perhaps the best solution is a combination of both.