Keeping Sharp

Sometimes finding the right words is difficult for all of us. But if you are Esther Hilger and Muriel Kaercher, searching your brain for the appropriate words can make for an entertaining game. Esther and Muriel have been playing Scrabble together for quite some time now and it’s pretty amazing what creative words they pull out of their heads to rack up the points! And keeping such an active mind is not just child’s play. According to a research study from the Journal of Neuroscience, doing activities such as reading a book or completing a crossword puzzle can stimulate the mind to delay and even possibly prevent the onset of dementia related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Though previously thought to be a normal part of aging, experts have now declared that cases of extreme memory loss are not part of the normal aging process at all. Therefore, more dementia related diseases are being researched along with Alzheimer’s to find cures for these illnesses. Currently there are some drugs that have had some success in slowing the dementia process, but there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Because of this, it is important for scientists to research other possible methods to combat dementia. This study suggests that if we keep our minds active by fulfilling mind-provoking activities, we could slow or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. So even though playing games like Scrabble just keep Esther and Muriel happy, their brains are working hard at leading a healthy life. Just take a look at the two pictured here as they challenge each other’s wits!



(Check out this study at http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/01/23/21487.aspx)