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Memory Games and Brain Memory by Suzanne Lyon
Memory Games and Brain Memory by Suzanne Lyon 
Medical studies have shown that memory loss as we age is not inevitable. Research Scientists and Medical Doctors have done many studies that have shown favorable conclusions.
Memory games such as poker, Mah-Jong, Scrabble, solitaire, cross word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, chess, board games that require strategic thinking, reasoning and learning a new skill all help with mental fitness.
Many Scientists have come to the theory you need to "use your brain or lose it" just like physical activity for the muscles of the body the brain must be exercised to keep the brain in shape as well.
Many studies have suggested that there are numerous benefits when individuals use memory type games.
In some studies scientists have demonstrated that when individuals participate in problem solving games and activities it was found to slow down age related memory loss and reinforce the mastery of these skills.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a study that showed that older people who participate in mental activity on a daily basis were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. The study used members of the Catholic clergy. The scientists kept track of these individuals for four and 1/2 years. All the participating members did not show any signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease at the beginning of the study. Every time the members met with the researchers they would report how much time they spent actively participating in cognitive activities. These activities included watching television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers, reading magazines, reading books, playing card games, solitaire, poker games, checkers, crossword puzzles and going to museums.
The participants were then given points for how often they performed the activities. The system awarded five points for every day, four points for several times per week, three points for several times per month, two points for several times per year and one point for once per year or less. The points were finally averaged to obtain an activity score.
The findings concluded that the higher the activity score the less likely the individual would develop Alzheimer's disease. The article also stated that the reason why increased cognitive activity reduced the risk for Alzheimer's disease is not fully known.
Researchers are conducting studies to reinforce the findings that cognitive activities such as memory games do have a positive influence on people's memory. In addition to the benefit of retaining memory, the new learned skills tend to help people become sharper as well. These are all healthy and fun activities that we all can take part in to maintain our brain activity and improve our social lives as well.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a study that showed that older people who participate in mental activity on a daily basis were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. The study used members of the Catholic clergy. The scientists kept track of these individuals for four and 1/2 years. All the participating members did not show any signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease at the beginning of the study. Every time the members met with the researchers they would report how much time they spent actively participating in cognitive activities. These activities included watching television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers, reading magazines, reading books, playing card games, solitaire, poker games, checkers, crossword puzzles and going to museums.
The participants were then given points for how often they performed the activities. The system awarded five points for every day, four points for several times per week, three points for several times per month, two points for several times per year and one point for once per year or less. The points were finally averaged to obtain an activity score.
The findings concluded that the higher the activity score the less likely the individual would develop Alzheimer's disease. The article also stated that the reason why increased cognitive activity reduced the risk for Alzheimer's disease is not fully known.
Researchers are conducting studies to reinforce the findings that cognitive activities such as memory games do have a positive influence on people's memory. In addition to the benefit of retaining memory, the new learned skills tend to help people become sharper as well. These are all healthy and fun activities that we all can take part in to maintain our brain activity and improve our social lives as well.
