Daily Brain Exercises with 10 Brain-Training Games to Reduce Alzheimers Risk

Taking care of brain health is just as important as looking after the body. Let’s explore 10 popular brain-training and board games that help improve memory, increase concentration, and may slow cognitive decline with age. Here's a look at these games.

Why do we need to"exercise the brain"?

Our bodies need exercise to keep muscles strong and agile.Our "brains"also require training, especially as Thailand becomes an aging society. Many people are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining brain health.

According to the websiteHealthline,Rebecca Marcus, a psychotherapist, states that playing brain-training games helps improve focus, attention, and memory. Although there is currently no definitive proof that these games can prevent dementia 100%, various studies indicate that regular brain exercise can"slow down"age-related cognitive decline effectively.

Here are 10 recommended brain-training and board games that enhance memory.

To prevent the brain from operating on autopilot too much, these 10 games and activities are expert-recommended for brain health.

1. Scrabble: A classic English word-building game that not only brings family fun but also expands vocabulary and trains focus on the task at hand.
2. Sagrada: A colorful dice-placement board game resembling stained glass. Players solve logical puzzles under various constraints, effectively stimulating thinking.
3. Rummikub: A numbers game combining luck and strategy, sharpening skills in sequencing, pattern recognition, and planning ahead.
4. Jigsaw puzzles: Assembling jigsaw puzzles engages both left and right brain hemispheres, combining logic, intuition, and creativity. It’s an excellent activity for calming the mind.
5. Rubik's Cube: A classic toy with millions of twisting combinations, ideal for brain stimulation during leisure time—far better than scrolling through social media on your phone.
6. Azul: A Portuguese-style tile-laying board game where players compete to score points, perfect for family play and practicing long-term planning.
7. Sudoku: A numbers puzzle from 1 to 9 with no repeats per row, requiring heavy analytical thinking that noticeably improves concentration skills.
8. Conversation Starters card game: Psychologist Sarah Schewitz notes that"emotional intelligence"is an important brain skill. Asking deep questions to engage with others helps train observation and empathy.
9. Crossword puzzles: Research shows that solving crosswords aids memory retention, develops language skills, and encourages deep thinking.
10. Chess: A 2019 literature review found chess improves brain function in memory and strategy and may help protect older adults from cognitive decline.

Additional tips for maintaining brain health

Besides regularly playing brain-training games, small daily routine changes—like varying your dog walking route or picking up creative hobbies such as painting, photography, or learning an instrument—stimulate the growth of new neurons, keeping the brain sharp and vibrant regardless of age.

Setting aside time daily for brain-training or board games not only provides enjoyment and strengthens relationships but also acts like a gym for the brain, reducing dementia risk and promoting long-term memory health.