Children who do puzzles reduce their risk of dementia later in life

And these are the best dementia-beating puzzles to try!

Children who do puzzles reduce demntia risk
By Eleanor Vousden
published

Developing problem-solving skills as a child can last in to old age, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University College London (UCL) have learned that eight year olds’ scores on memory and thinking tests can predict how they will perform on the same tests at age 70, which may be an indicator for predicting dementia.

During their research, dementia scientists found that children who scored better in the cognitive tests, also scored better over 60 years later.

According to Dr Carol Routledge, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, this may be down to the ‘cognitive reserve’ we obtain during our childhood. "Memory and thinking skills we acquire during our lives can make us more resilient to the symptoms of dementia in older age, but more research is needed to better understand this link," she says.

Doing brain-training puzzles has often been recommended to help reduce the risk of dementia. In fact, research from King’s College London and the University of Exeter has found that older adults who take part in puzzles have better cognitive function too. Here are some of the best ones to try for all ages...

The Best Brain Training Puzzles

Rubix cube

Rubix’s Cube, £10, Argos (opens in new tab)

With 43 quintillion combinations, this classic brain puzzle will test your problem solving skills as you twist and turn the cube to match up the colours.

Puzzle books

Brain Games for Clever Kids, £3.78 (opens in new tab)

If your kids like a challenge, they’ll love this book - which is packed with dozens of memory, word and number puzzles.

A ball maze

Addict A Ball Maze 1, £13.85, Amazon (opens in new tab)

Help your little one practice their problem-solving skills early with 3D maze ball, aimed at children aged 6+. This involves navigating a ball through 138 spirals, swings and slides to challenge your problem-solving ability, hand-eye co-ordination – not to mention your patience.

Have you bought puzzles for you kids? Do they enjoy it? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts!

Eleanor Vousden
During her four years at TI MEDIA, Eleanor has worked on various titles, including Woman & Home, Feel Good You, Woman’s Own and Powder, covering beauty, health, nutrition and wellbeing topics. Since graduating from the University of the Arts London in Fashion Journalism, she ventured down the beauty and health path and has worked across digital, social media, video and print, and was highly commended at BSME Talent Awards in 2017. From acne to eczema, she can talk endlessly about skin conditions and has jumped in -180C ice chambers, eaten just salmon for a week straight and tried pore-suction facials in the quest for well-behaved skin. She has also written about sleep, hormones and gut health amongst the latest wellbeing and self care trends. When Eleanor’s not working, you’ll often find her on a run in London or her hometown of Brighton, where she did her first marathon – but was beaten to the finish line by Scooby Doo. Post-run, she’ll most likely be settling down to watch a documentary with a spoon and nut butter jar in hand. Follow her on Instagram @eleanorvousden.
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