Cognitive performance and memory performance can begin to decline gradually from the mid-20s. At first, we usually don't even notice these changes. From around the age of 45, the decline in mental performance becomes more noticeable. But there is good news: with the help of various exercises, this process can often be slowed down. It is even possible to become cognitively fitter again if the brain is actively trained.
Why is brain training important?
As long as we are not restricted in our everyday lives by forgetfulness and the like, it may be difficult for us to overcome our own laziness and actively take care of our brain fitness. But there are many reasons to start brain jogging in good time and keep our brain fit:
Cognitive health:
Regular brain training can promote cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related cognitive impairments.
Improve mental performance: Brain training can improve mental performance, including concentration, attention and problem-solving skills.
Stress relief:
Activities such as brain training can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being.
Neuronal growth: Training specific areas of the brain can create new neural connections, contributing to neurological health.
What can brain training look like?
Puzzles and brain teasers:
Classic crossword puzzles challenge vocabulary and word knowledge while also sharpening memory for facts and terms. They can often be found in newspapers, magazines and puzzle books. There are also a large number of crossword puzzles available on the Internet. Sudokus require logical thinking and strategic planning to fill in the empty spaces with numbers without the same number being repeated in a row or column. These number puzzles can also often be found in newspapers, in Sudoku books or on the Internet. There are also Sudoku apps where you can individually set the level of difficulty. However, you should make sure to choose free apps here. Logic puzzles such as nonograms, Sudoku variants and Kakuros test the ability to recognize patterns and draw logical conclusions. These are also available in puzzle books or on the Internet / in apps. Games such as Scrabble, Boggle or word grids promote creativity and word-finding skills and can improve memory for vocabulary and spelling. In addition to the board game variants, there are also apps.
Memory games:
"Memory" is a classic memory game in which players have to reveal pairs of face-down cards and remember where each card is to form pairs. A great game to play with children, for example grandchildren. "I'm packing my suitcase": Players have to remember a growing sequence of items that are packed into an imaginary suitcase. Players take turns to list the items already mentioned and add another. This game is also great to play with children. "Number sequences": One person names a number sequence (e.g. 3, 7, 2, 1) and the other players have to remember the sequence and then repeat it, with the sequence getting longer each time. This game is similar to "I'm packing my suitcase" and can also be played with colors or other categories. "Concentration": This game consists of a set of cards printed with pictures or terms. The cards are shuffled and placed face down on the table. Players take turns to reveal two cards and try to find pairs by remembering the positions of the cards.
Brain training apps:
In the usual app stores you will find apps that are tailored to training mental performance. Training in the app is often preceded by a test that helps you identify your weaknesses and work on them specifically. There are free versions and apps that cost something or in which some functions can only be accessed by paying. Due to the large number of apps available, it is also possible to train a wide range of performance areas without using paid functions.
Conclusion
There are numerous options for brain training available to you. Try it out! It's worth challenging and training your brain regularly.
But also remember that your lifestyle can also have a significant impact on brain health. In our next article, we'll take a closer look at one aspect of lifestyle and show you how your diet can affect brain health.
