Ready to dive into the exciting world of brain games and how they might just be your brain’s new best friend in the battle against dementia? Well, grab your thinking cap because we’re about to embark on a journey into the world of cognitive fitness that’s as fun as it is fascinating!
Picture this: Dementia, that sneaky memory-thieving bandit, has been giving even the most brilliant doctors a run for their money. It’s a big deal, affecting a whopping 5.8 million people in the US alone, most of whom are seasoned superheroes aged 65 and up.1
But here’s where the plot thickens: Can playing games be the secret weapon to outsmart dementia? With the quest for dementia prevention getting hotter than a hot potato, it’s time we explore the incredible role games can play in keeping our noggins in tip-top shape.
What is Dementia?
Now, what exactly is this tricky thing called dementia? It’s like a master thief that swipes your memory, language skills, and problem-solving abilities and turns your daily life upside down. The top culprit? Alzheimer’s disease, which takes the lead in causing up to 80% of dementia cases.2 These diseases bring about some funky changes up there, leading to a decline in your thinking abilities.
But here’s the scoop–we’re about to unveil how brain games can be the hero for brain health. While there’s no magic cure for dementia (bummer, right?), these games can be your trusty sidekick on the journey to better brain health. As a bonus, KashKick offers a vault of games ready to play to keep your brain firing on all cylinders!
Brain Games: A Fun Path to Mental Fitness!
Brace yourselves for brain games, the coolest and most fun path to mental fitness! We’ve all wondered how we can tackle this unrelenting dementia monster, and the answer is surprisingly simple: brain games! Whether you’re diving into the digital realm or going old-school, these games have superhero powers when it comes to boosting cognitive function. And the best part? They’re non-invasive, side-effect-free, and don’t need any FDA approval.3 You can even play them while sipping tea in your cozy pajamas at home!
“playing online games that exercise reasoning and memory skills could have major benefits for older people.”
Hold onto your hats, folks, because a 2015 study from the UK revealed that “playing online games that exercise reasoning and memory skills could have major benefits for older people.”4 Over 7,000 brave souls put their cognitive and life skills to the test. Before and after six months of gaming, guess what? The results were jaw-dropping–significant improvements! The over-60 crowd performed better daily tasks, while the over-50 crowd rocked their reasoning and verbal learning skills. Talk about a power-up! And they found that playing at least five times a week was the secret sauce.4
Researchers didn’t stop there–they combined data from 33 studies with around 2,000 participants. Their findings? Playing brain-boosting online computer games for seniors might give your noggin some extra juice over time, compared to sitting on your hands. Plus, your verbal fluency might get a makeover. They’re still working on the long-term effects, so stay tuned!5
But that’s not all! The New England Journal of Medicine had its say too. They pitted computerized games against crossword puzzles in folks with mild cognitive impairment. Guess what? The crossword puzzle squad was on fire! They had less mental decline, super functional skills, and more brain volume left than their counterparts in the brain training camp. Plus, some of these improvements were still kickin’ ten years down the road!6
Other Ways to Improve Your Mental Abilities
So, while we’re not quite ready to declare brain games the superhero cape against dementia just yet, they sure pack a punch when it comes to boosting your brainpower. But hold onto your hats, there’s more to the story!
Brain games aren’t the only weapon in our arsenal for keeping those brain cells doing the cha-cha. Managing blood pressure and getting your body moving are like the trusty sidekicks in this brain-boosting adventure. They’re essential to slow down cognitive decline. Brain training? Yep, it shows promise, too, but it’s not the end-all, be-all just yet–more research is needed!7
Brain Games for the Right Stage
Now, let’s talk strategy. When choosing games or activities for someone with dementia, it’s like assembling the Avengers–you gotta consider their age and which stage of dementia they’re in. Early stage? Go for those brainy crossword puzzles and advanced brain games. Late stage? Even simple tasks like helping around the house can be a real game-changer.
The secret to success with dementia is to keep moving–it’s like a dance-off for your brain! Whether you’re scrubbing dishes, cracking crossword codes, or whipping up a delicious meal, staying active helps keep the “four A’s of Alzheimer’s” at bay–anxiety, agitation, aggression, and apathy.8
Keep Your Brain Sharp and Get Paid!
Brain games might just be the superpower we need to slow down dementia’s devious plans. As the medical community continues to search for answers, one thing’s for sure–engaging in brain games and staying active can be your trusty sidekicks in the battle to preserve brain health. At KashKick, we have a variety of games to choose from to keep that noggin in tip-top shape! And the best part? You get PAID to play these games! So that means you can keep your brain healthy, all while earning free cash!
Whether you’re conquering the digital realm, mastering crossword magic, or simply tackling daily tasks, one thing’s clear–a sharp mind is your best defense against the dementia dragon. Just remember, what works for one might not work for another, especially depending on the stage and severity of dementia.
As the adventure continues, stay hopeful and keep those brain cells flexing–the future looks brighter than ever in the world of brain games and dementia!
Click here to see the games we offer to make you some extra cash and keep your mind sharp!
Resources
1https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html
2https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
5https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013069.pub2/full
6https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDoa2200121
7https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/24782/chapter/1#iv
8https://best-alzheimers-products.com/alzheimers-video-games.html