Researchers have discovered that crossword puzzles help to better sharpen memory in older individuals suffering from mild cognitive impairment, in comparison to computer games. While crossword puzzles are popularly used, no research has systematically studied them and their association with mild cognitive impairment until now. Mild cognitive impairment is known to heighten the risk of an individual developing dementia.
The study was led by Professor D.P. Devenand of Columbia University and Professor Murali Doraiswamy, director of the Neurocognitive Disorders Program at Duke University School of Medicine.
For their study, the researchers recruited more than 100 participants suffering from mild cognitive impairment, a majority of who were around 71 years of age. They were all required to finish 12 weeks of either cognitive games training or computerized crossword puzzle training. Once this was done, each of the participants would undergo six booster sessions.
The cognitive games included matching tasks, memory tasks, processing speed tasks and spatial recognition tasks while the crossword puzzles were set to be equivalent to the Thursday puzzles of the New York Times.
The researchers found that most of the participants who underwent crossword puzzle training demonstrated higher improvements in cognitive function as compared to those who underwent training for cognitive games. They also discovered that while both training forms were equally effective when introduced at early stages of degenerative conditions, crossword puzzles were better for participants who were in the late stages of such conditions.
In addition, researchers took MRIs for every participant, which led them to discover that brain shrinkage was less for individuals who undertook crossword puzzles.
Doraiswamy, who is specialized in psychiatry and geriatrics, stated that the group’s findings were both important and surprising, noting that they were focused on finding ways to lower the risk for various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. In their report, the investigators observed that older individuals were more familiar with crossword puzzles in comparison to computerized games. They also highlighted some of the study’s limitations, which included the lack of a control group that didn’t take part in cognitive training.
The study’s findings were reported in “NEJM Evidence.” It received funding from the NIH National Institute on Aging.
Other researchers involved in the study include Min Qian, Terry Goldberg, Joel R. Sneed, Sara N. Rushia, Caroline A. Hellegers, Julia Phillips, Alexandra R. Linares, Nancy A. Kerner, Howard F. Andrews, Jeffrey R. Petrella, Sierra T. Pence, Izael Nino and Andrew M. Michael.
Meanwhile, the field of pediatric and adult malignant tumor research is also registering some interesting developments. For example, a number of entities such as QSAM Biosciences Inc. (OTCQB: QSAM) are reporting exciting findings, including coming up with targeted drugs with minimal damage during radiation therapy.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QSAM Biosciences Inc. (OTCQB: QSAM) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QSAM
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (BMW) is a bio-med news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to millions of social media followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with BMW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. BMW is where news, content and information converge.
To receive SMS text alerts from BioMedWire, text “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.biomedwire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer
BioMedWire (BMW)
San Francisco, California
www.biomedwire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
Approximately 20% of people in the U.S. live in a rural area, and they face…
On October 15, NETEC (National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center) announced a grant…
Patients are overwhelmed when they are diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most deadly primary brain cancer.…
Thermostable vaccine technology is considered a significant unmet need in epidemic preparedness. Soligenix has been…
Many existing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, don’t distinguish between cancer cells and…
A study whose findings were recently published has provided insights into the cost of treating…