The Mental Exercise that Reduces Dementia [A NEW STUDY]
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The Mental Exercise that Reduces Dementia [A NEW STUDY]
Dementia is a broad term that encompasses the loss of memory, language, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities that are severe enough to significantly interfere with a person’s quality of life and well-being. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, while vascular dementia is the second most common cause. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.
With muscular defects, we can work out to strengthen the affected area. With digestive problems, we’re able to change up our diet to improve gastrointestinal health. With hormonal imbalances, we can take medications to combat the problems. But with brain problems like dementia, it’s a lot harder to treat the problem directly.
But what if you could do a simple brain-training exercise to prevent dementia or slow down memory loss? Now that would be an exercise worth doing!
What Are Mental Exercises for Dementia Patients?
Mental exercises for dementia patients are activities that stimulate the brain, enhance neural connectivity, and strengthen cognitive reserve, helping to slow cognitive decline and maintain mental function.
These brain exercises are broadly classified into cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive rehabilitation.
- Cognitive stimulation: Cognitive stimulation therapy is an evidence-basedpsychological intervention designed for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. It involves engaging in a variety of activities and discussions, either in groups or one-on-one, aimed at enhancing overall abilities and cognitive functioning. Cognitive stimulation can include activities such as talking about day-to-day interests; past events and memories; brain training games—such as board games; and information relating to the current time and place. This is meant to stimulate concentration, thinking, and memory.
- Cognitive training: Cognitive training generally consists of guided practice using structured and standardized tasks aimed at improving specific cognitive functions such as information processing speed, attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Cognitive training is based on the idea that repeated practice can strengthen or maintain specific cognitive functions, with improvements expected to transfer beyond the trained tasks to other activities that rely on similar cognitive skills. Cognitive training exercises may include time reaction tasks, letter updating tasks, and Markov decision-making tasks. It can also include memory games such as crossword puzzles.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: Although the concept is still evolving, cognitive rehabilitation typically refers to a personalized intervention for individuals with cognitive impairment, where patients and their families collaborate with healthcare professionals to set meaningful goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Some of these strategies may include speech-language therapy exercises, computer-assisted training programs, and neurofeedback, with each tailored to the specific needs of the patients.
Engaging dementia patients in mental exercises on a regular basis can do more than just slow down cognitive decline—it can improve brain function, support independence in everyday tasks, and promote better memory.
How Mental Stimulation Affects Brain Health in Dementia
A lack of cognitive activity accelerates cognitive decline, leading to the deterioration of key brain functions—including attention, perception, processing speed, and memory as one ages. In Alzheimer’s disease, however, these deficits are primarily caused by the loss of brain cells and synaptic connections in the medial temporal lobe and temporoparietal association cortices—pathological changes that disrupt memory and other higher cognitive functions.
A study has found that at-risk middle-aged adults who engage in cognitive activities such as reading books; playing games like cards, checkers, jigsaw puzzles; and listening to the radio improved their brain health and cognitive performance. The study found that individuals who played cognitively stimulating games every day or nearly every day had greater grey matter volumes in several brain regions that are highly vulnerable to Alzheimer’s pathology, including the posterior cingulate cortex, caudal anterior cingulate, rostral anterior cingulate, and caudal middle frontal gyrus. These regions are known to support memory, attention, and executive functions. This study suggests that regular engagement in such activities may help preserve brain structures and cognitive abilities, potentially delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s disease in later life, and also may be instrumental in promoting neurogenesis in these specific brain regions—compensating for neuronal atrophy, which is the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease in these regions.
Inside the New Study: What Researchers Discovered
A team of aging researchers from several U.S universities conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 2,802 older adults to examine the effects of a cognitive training program known as speed of processing training—more specifically, three different cognitive training programs aimed at memory, reasoning, and speed of processing information.
The adults were divided into four groups:
Control Group – This group received no intervention and didn’t participate in any of the training programs.
Memory Group – This group was taught practices and strategies to improve their memories of events and activities in their lives.
Reasoning Group – This group was taught practices and strategies to help sharpen their reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Speed of Processing Group – This group was assigned computer-based exercises designed to increase the amount and complexity of information they could process, as well as the speed at which they processed that information.
The scientists then followed the participants for 10 years, examining them at years 2, 3, 5, and 10 to assess how the cognitive training affected them.
What results did the cognitive training achieve?
Of the adults who lived through the 10-year follow-up period, 260 developed dementia. The patients in the speed of processing group had a 29% lower chance of developing dementia than the control group. The memory and reasoning groups also saw lower incidences of dementia, but the differences were “not statistically significant”.
Which Mental Exercise Showed the Most Impact?
The speed of processing training—delivered through the adaptive computer-based program—showed the most impact.
Participants in this group practiced identifying visual targets both at the center and in the periphery of the screen, with the software automatically adjusting the difficulty based on performance. This training led to greater and longer-lasting improvements in cognitive abilities and daily functioning independence compared to the memory and reasoning groups, which relied on traditional classroom-style exercises. This training not only improved cognitive performance and functional independence but was also the only training shown to lower the incidence of dementia after 10 years.
How Often Should Dementia Patients Do Mental Exercises?
There is no hard and fast rule about how often dementia patients should engage in mental exercises. However, some studies suggest participating in cognitive activities at least twice a week, with each session lasting about 45 minutes. This frequency is consistent with what is typically applied in research on cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia.
Consistent, moderate cognitive stimulation is more effective than occasional or intense sessions. Activities should be personalized, focusing on fun activities and familiar tasks—such as puzzles, learning a musical instrument, word games, or music-based memory tasks to maintain engagement and prevent frustration.
Comparing Cognitive Games, Puzzles, and Memory Tasks
Researchers from Colombia and Duke Universities enrolled 107 individuals with mild cognitive impairment for a 12-week program involving either computerized crossword puzzle training or cognitive games training. Participants also received six booster sessions over 78 weeks. The experiment aimed to determine whether computerized crossword puzzle training could be more effective than other types of cognitive games in improving cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment over time.
The crossword puzzles used in the experiment were of moderate difficulty, comparable to those featured in the New York Times Thursday editions. The cognitive games included memory tasks, matching tasks, spatial recognition tasks, and processing speed tasks.
After 12 weeks and 78 weeks of the study, the following results were obtained:
- Crossword puzzles outperformed cognitive games on the main assessment, the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) score, at both the 12-week and 78-week evaluation. They also showed greater improvement on the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), which measures daily functional abilities, at the 78-week mark.
- Crossword puzzles proved more beneficial for participants in the later stages of their condition, while both training methods showed similar effectiveness during the earlier stage.
- At the 78-week evaluation, MRI scans showed that participants who engaged in crossword puzzles experienced less brain shrinkage.
Achieving improvements in cognition, daily functioning, and brain preservation simultaneously is considered a major breakthrough in the field, according to Doraiswamy, a member of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development. He noted that so far, no Alzheimer’s medication has been able to accomplish all three outcomes, highlighting the important role that crossword puzzles could play as a home-based cognitive enhancement tool.
Can Mental Exercises Delay Dementia Progression?
Yes, mental exercises can delay dementia progression. Studies have shown that individuals with more years of education tend to have a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, whereas those with fewer years of education face a two to fourfold higher risk. This correlation may be based on the idea that prolonged engagement in mentally stimulating activities like reading provides the brain with cognitive exercise. Reading, in particular, has been shown to enhance neural connectivity, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additional evidence suggesting that mental exercise may delay dementia comes from neurobiology studies that show greater brain complexity in people with higher levels of mental activity. In a study among healthy older individuals who were engaged with focused memory training, it was discovered that after 5 weeks of the mental exercise, choline and creatine signals in the hippocampus were elevated.
Real-Life Success Stories from Dementia Caregivers
This real-life story features Sue Hansard, who cared for her mum, who lived with dementia, before she passed away. The story shared by the Alzheimer’s Society of the United Kingdom highlights how mental exercises can be a powerful tool for maintaining mental clarity for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. The story is a long one, but we have summarized it in this article.
Sue Hansard’s mother, Mollie, lived with Alzheimer’s disease, but simple mental activities helped her stay connected and joyful. Although she could no longer follow long novels, children’s books like The Gruffalo kept her focused and calm. Once, after hearing a single line of poetry, she surprised Sue by reciting an entire Wordsmith poem from memory.
Music also played a big role. Mollie could sing along to songs she loved, even when she forgot names and faces. At a theatre show, she sang every word from South Pacific, smiling all through. Word puzzles, baking, and playful games also kept her alert and happy.
For Sue, these moments proved that mental exercises—reading, singing, puzzles—can help strengthen memory recall skills, foster emotional connection, and make a real difference in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Expert Recommendations on Safe and Effective Brain Activities
The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer Society of Canada offer a list of safe and effective activities that help keep the brain active and healthy. Their recommendations include:
- Challenge your mind: Stay curious and engage your brain by exploring something new, such as learning a new language. Giving your mind new challenges can provide both immediate and lasting benefits for your brain health.
- Stay in school: Education helps lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. You can keep your mind sharp by enrolling in a class at a local library, college, or through online learning.
- Sleep well: Getting quality sleep is essential for maintaining brain health. Avoid screens before bedtime and create a comfortable sleep environment.
- Play games that involve your mind: Playing games is a way to boost focus, memory, and strategic thinking. Brain-stimulating options include puzzles like crosswords, sudoku, and word search.
- Cross-train your mind: Challenge yourself to improve in areas where you lack skill. Trying new and varied tasks keeps your brain flexible and can reveal unexpected abilities.
Engaging in new hobbies and mentally stimulating activities can boost memory and cognitive function, helping keep your brain active and healthy. While these steps may not prevent Alzheimer’s disease, they can help slow down its progression.
How to Create a Daily Mental Exercise Routine for Dementia
The beauty of having a daily routine is that it saves valuable time you would otherwise spend deciding what to do each day, allowing you to focus on more productive activities. Having a structured routine promotes order and helps tasks flow more efficiently. For people with dementia, a structured routine is especially important, as it helps reduce confusion and maintain stability.
A daily routine for someone living with dementia might look like this:
Morning routines
- Wash, brush teeth, and get dressed
- Prepare and eat breakfast
- Talk over coffee
- Discuss the newspaper, and reflect on old pictures, and events
- Take a break, have a quiet moment
Afternoon routines
- Prepare and eat lunch, read emails, tidy up your dishes
- Listen to music, engage in crossword puzzles, and watch TV
- Engaging in some gardening activities and taking a walk to get some fresh air
Evening routines
- Prepare and eat dinner, tidy up the kitchen
- Play cards, watch a movie, give a massage
- Shower, prepare for bed, and read a book
These routines should be organized while paying attention to the specific needs of the patient—such as his or her likes, dislikes, strengths, and interests.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Mental Exercises with Dementia Patients
When planning mental exercises for dementia patients, it’s important to place them at the center of your approach. After all, your efforts can only truly be effective if they lead to meaningful improvements in the patient’s brain health. To make this happen, you’d have to avoid the following mistakes when using mental exercises with dementia patients:
- Imposing your own choice of exercise: This can make the patient feel excluded and frustrated, leading to disinterest or abandonment.
- Treating the patient like a child: People with dementia are sensitive to tone and attitude—perceived disrespect can cause agitation or withdrawal.
- Sticking too rigidly to routines: Mental exercises should allow for flexibility and rest; overscheduling can create fatigue and resistance
- Ignoring the patient’s preferences and personality: Activities that align with their interests and past experiences are more engaging and beneficial
- Neglecting professional guidance: When challenges arise, don’t hesitate to seek support from a qualified therapist or cognitive specialist.
Enhancing a dementia patient’s well-being starts with thoughtful care. Avoiding these missteps can make mental exercises more meaningful and rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Are Mental Exercises a Reliable Solution?
The effectiveness of mental exercises for dementia patients largely depends on the stage of the condition. Most studies indicate that these exercises are beneficial primarily in mild to moderate cognitive decline. While mental exercises show great promise in alleviating symptoms and supporting brain functions, they work best as adjuncts to medications or part of a holistic care approach, rather than as stand-alone therapies.
And while regular mental exercises can strengthen your brain’s resilience, cellular health also plays a major role in keeping your mind sharp with age — which is why supporting your body’s natural repair and longevity pathways is just as essential for long-term cognitive vitality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is that dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
What two personality traits are linked to dementia?
The two personality traits linked to dementia according to studies, are high neuroticism and low conscientiousness. Neuroticism is often associated with higher perceived stress, while low conscientiousness is linked to disorganization.
How can I slow down dementia naturally?
You can slow down dementia naturally by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, eating a balanced and healthy diet, staying physically active, and maintaining social connections.
How do you make someone with dementia happy?
You can make someone with dementia happy by engaging them in enjoyable activities, taking walks together, helping them reconnect with familiar people and places, and supporting them in maintaining a structured daily routine.
REFERENCES
Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and iCST
Therapy and approaches for memory loss support
Cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia
Cognitive training for people with mild to moderate dementia
Brain Training Reduces Dementia Risk Across 10 Years
Your Guide to Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive stimulation and cognitive results in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Researchers identify first brain training exercise positively linked to dementia prevention
Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia
Computerized games Vs Crosswords
Educating the Brain to Avoid Dementia: Can Mental Exercise Prevent Alzheimer Disease?
Reading skill and structural brain development
Memory training alters hippocampal neurochemistry in healthy elderly
7 lessons learned about caring for someone with dementia
10 Healthy Habits For Your Brain
Challenge your brain! Eight suggestions for brain-boosting exercises
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