Neurologist explains if puzzles, reading, and music can really delay Alzheimer's

From puzzles to music therapy, here are neurologist-approved ways to keep your brain sharp and reduce Alzheimer’s risk. (Image: Pexels)

One of the scariest elements of getting older is cognitive decline, and as Alzheimer’s rates continue to rise worldwide, it has spawned renewed interest from people who are worried for themselves or family members. The fear of memory loss, confusion and the loss of independence looms large as people age. There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s, but emerging research and clinical experience suggest that there are ways to slow its progression and help people live better for longer.

The human brain is like a muscle, as it responds well to frequent stimulation, good lifestyle habits and emotional health. Research shows that certain brain-boosting activities, dietary habits, general lifestyle practices and other health measures can help preserve mental acuity as we age and reduce the risk of developing a serious condition. Although we may never be able to completely prevent Alzheimer’s disease, adding good science backed habits and taking care of the mind and body will help you prolong your independence, make daily life better and even put loved ones’ minds at ease if they’re wrestling with the unknowns of aging.

Dr Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, lists down how:

Puzzles and Reading: Daily workouts for the brain

Consider puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and reading as brain exercises. Just as exercise for the body builds muscles, so do these exercises build neural pathways and cognitive reserve. When we engage our mind in solving problems, word memorization, or understanding exercises, we are actually exercising the brain to remain adaptable. With regular mental exercises over time, this can enhance attention, sharpen problem-solving, and improve short-term memory.

Also Read: Top 3 symptoms of early stage Alzheimer’s and dementia, shared by a neuroscientist

In older people, these activities also give a daily structure and a feeling of accomplishment, which is beneficial for emotional well-being. The secret is consistency — even 20 to 30 minutes of mental workouts every day can prove valuable in the long run.

Music Therapy: An underappreciated yet effective weapon

Music is more than just entertainment. It uses several brain areas at once, from memory and attention to emotion and motion. In my practice, I frequently include music in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Goyal tells Moneycontrol. “From neuropsychological testing, I determine whether the patient has difficulty with more memory, attention, or anxiety, and accordingly prescribe particular ragas,” she adds.

She says that there are ragas that facilitate relaxation and sleep, there are ragas that diminish anxiety, some can enhance concentration and memory. This isn't all anecdotal — there is scientific evidence that shows music lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), stabilizes mood, and even enhances retrieval of old and new memories. Families are frequently amazed at the way a known tune brings back clear memories in an individual with memory loss.

Emotional wellbeing and sleep: The silent pillars

Memory is not just about neurons firing; it is also about the emotional and physical climate within which the brain operates. Anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleep are all closely associated with accelerated decline in thinking ability. Reading, listening to music, or even simple puzzles can help combat anxiety and improve mood, thereby preserving brain health.

Sleep is just as important. The brain processes memories and removes waste by-products while sleeping profoundly and restoratively. With inadequate sleep, the potential for memory loss escalates dramatically. An overall brain fitness program must therefore include more than mental games but also stress reduction and good sleep hygiene.

Do these activities slow Alzheimer's?

Science says yes puzzles, books, and music therapy may not cure or stop Alzheimer's entirely, but they do help prevent its onset and slow its course by keeping the brain engaged, lowering stress, and keeping the essential functions like memory and attention operational. They fall under the umbrella of what we call cognitive reserve, the brain's ability to accommodate an injury by switching on backup networks.

Alzheimer's disease is still very complicated, but it can be slowed and mitigated through sustained whole life habits. By combining mental activities, music, emotional well-being, and good sleep, you create a decent fitness regime for your brain. These little daily decisions matter in the long run, allowing individuals not only a sharper memory but a quality of life in older age.

FAQs on Alzheimer's and Brain Activities:

1. Can brain activities prevent Alzheimer's?
While brain activities may not prevent Alzheimer's entirely, they can help delay its onset and slow its progression.

2. What types of brain activities are most beneficial?
Engaging in puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, reading, and music therapy are beneficial for maintaining cognitive health.

Also Read: Forgetfulness in your 40s: Doctor shares early signs of alzheimer’s that you shouldn’t ignore

3. How does music therapy help in Alzheimer's care?
Music therapy uses multiple brain areas simultaneously, helping to lower stress, stabilise mood, and improve memory retrieval.

4. Why is sleep important for brain health?
Sleep is crucial for memory processing and eliminating waste by-products, significantly affecting the risk of memory loss.

5. How can emotional well-being impact cognitive decline?
Anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleep are closely linked to accelerated cognitive decline, making emotional well-being vital for brain health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.