The evidence goes back and forth but the intuition feels right: Engaging your brain with word puzzles, riddles, problem-solving scenarios, or even computer games seems like it should sharpen your mind, support your memory, or strengthen your cognitive abilities. Well, new evidence just published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that at least one kind of puzzle appears to be worth your time and effort to better support your brain: the good old-fashioned crossword puzzle.

This admittedly small study involved 107 participants, all of whom had a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. The average participant was 71 years old and each spent 12 weeks training on either crossword puzzles or other types of computer video games. Booster sessions followed each participant for up to another 78 weeks. In the end, based on various cognitive measurements and MRIs of each participant’s brain, it turns out that those in the crossword puzzle group experienced less cognitive decline and less brain shrinkage than those in the alternative video game group. This was especially noteworthy, given that, as one expert said, “The results are important in light of the difficulty in showing improvement with interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment.” Since Mild Cognitive Impairment is often a precursor to more serious forms of dementia, anything that can slow down the process is an important milestone. Both types of games were valuable for participants early in their cognitive impairment, but the crossword puzzles were superior for those in the later stages of impairment. While the reasons for this discrepancy are not clear, experts posit that crossword puzzles may be more familiar to participants and may provide more challenging cognitive demands than alternative games. It’s also possible that the crossword puzzles were more engaging, as participants may have learned new facts or looked up new words and definitions. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the stimulating task of working on a crossword puzzle may not only be satisfying but may build up valuable cognitive resilience. So take out your pencil (or pen!) and read more here and here.

And whether you’re a long-time player or want to get started, there are innumerable sources available to find crossword puzzles to suit your interests and skill level. As an example, take a look at the Washington Post’s free daily crossword puzzle. Or, if you’re a fan of The New York Times’s daily puzzle, take a look at this recently published “Wednesday, Medium Level” New York Times puzzle book. If you’re in search of the best-reviewed puzzles for November 2022, put on your reading glasses and click here.

Finally, if you’re interested in other tips that boost your brain, support memory, and help put aside fears that you’re “losing” it, check out a new online series entitled “How to boost your brain & memory,” under the direction of esteemed neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova. Sponsored by TED Talks, this 4-week online course (which starts on Nov. 14th) gives you a comprehensive overview of how memory works and how you can take concrete steps to support and improve your memory. You’ll be able to watch each session when it works for you with live online opportunities to engage with others and ask questions. So jot this down in your calendar and find out more here.