Cognitive Exercises for Seniors

According to the Mayo Clinic, forgetfulness with aging is normal. Getting older can cause the memory to diminish and cognitive functioning to slow down, however, simple practices can help reduce the risks of conditions that adversely affect the brain and lead to Alzheimer's disease or dementia. According to the Mayo Clinic, proper nutrition, exercise and keeping your mind active with mentally stimulating activities can improve your ability to cope with or compensate for the changes associated with dementia.

Puzzles

• According to the Mayo Clinic, puzzles are mentally stimulating activities. Puzzles can range from the old fashioned cardboard pictures that are pieced together to the crosswords that arrive in the daily paper. All of these activities can help with memory recall and can be fun, relaxing and even challenging. Gathering around the dining room table with family or friends and completing a puzzle together is a great way to pass an evening.

Math

• Math is used in everyday problem solving, whether balancing the bank book or baking a bundt cake. Perhaps many people do not fully realize how much math is used and needed, and how beneficial it is for the health of the mind. Simple math games can help seniors, long out of school, remember the fundamentals of math while also improving the thinking processes. Sudoki is a popular numbers game that can sharpen problem solving skills and is available in all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Find these book and magazines at a local book store, drug store or supermarket.

Neurobic Exercises

• Neurobic exercises are thought to help with nerve cell stimulation that is necessary to activate new brain circuits, enhancing neurotrophin production (see Resources for details). These exercises can be done by breaking normal routines and doing familiar things in different ways. For example, writing with the opposite hand, getting dressed with your eyes closed, or taking a new driving route to a familiar destination. Doing these tasks differently may also make them more challenging and exciting.

Video Games

• For those who thought video games were for the adolescent population, think again. Video games have come a long way since their induction into society and now feature games geared towards fitness and learning. In some classrooms, video games have become a learning tool to both engage and entertain the youth. For seniors, however, the "Brain Age" games by Nintendo have become popular and are touted for their ability to stimulate the brain with rapid mental tasks. Inquire at your nearest electronics store.