Crossword Puzzles and Other Stimulating Activities are a Great Way to Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s

Crossword puzzles, and other mentally stimulating activities, help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

(PRWEB) November 11, 2005 -- Alzheimer’s currently affects approximately 4.5 million Americans and National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, this November, is dedicated to educating the public about the disease. With no single known cause, many experts recommend taking preventative measures against Alzheimer’s, including partaking in mentally stimulating activities, particularly crossword puzzles. Medical experts believe that these mind building hobbies help nourish the brain and build a buffer against diminished brain function.

Older Americans, afraid of the challenge of crossword puzzles, should receive comfort from the words of Stanley Newman, crossword puzzle editor for Newsday, world champion puzzle solver and editor of over 100 puzzle books for Random House Puzzles & Games - “Crossword puzzles are a perfect way to stay mentally fit. They come in every ability level and are fun, engaging and intellectually stimulating.” Newman also provides these tips for completing a crossword puzzle:

∙ Always look at the title of a puzzle, it’s often a great hint to get you started.

∙ The best answer to fill in first is one you’re absolutely sure of, so don’t automatically start with 1 Across. Very often, a “fill-in-the-blank” clue is a good place to start.

∙ After you’ve written in the first answer, try to fill in answers that already have one or letters filled in from the crossing words. It’s almost always easier to figure out answers that are partially filled in.

∙ Don’t “jump around,” filling in answers all over the puzzle. Your solving will be easier and faster if you concentrate on one area of the puzzle at a time.

∙ Never solve crosswords in pen. You can’t erase pen mistakes and looking at filled-in words you know are wrong makes successful solving extremely difficult. If you want to impress onlookers, use an erasable pen.

In addition to crossword puzzles, reading, playing chess, playing musical instruments or knitting, combined with other everyday actions, including being social, staying physically active and eating right, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. With the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s expected to jump significantly as the population ages, knowing these healthy tips to help stave off the disease is as important as ever.

*** Stanley Newman is Available for Interview

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