The brain on puzzles

Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease are staggering statistics:

Alzheimer's is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States (1)
Estimated 5.3 million Americans currently have Alzheimer's disease. (2)
Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's disease in the United States. (3)
In 2002, the prevalence of dementia in people aged 71 and older was about 3.4 million Americans. (4)

Dementia, a person's mood and personalityto change. At first it may be memory loss and trouble thinking clearly. Later, disruptive behavior and other problems start.

One way to help treat or prevent dementia is the patient feeling a constant family. You beloved objects that surround the stimulation of the brain and slow the progression of the disease. Puzzles go a long way toward helping to keep things familiar people, places and activities on top their minds.

As a puzzle to help the brain?

Puzzle engage the brain to keep the information on colors and shapes to choose the right pieces to fit together. This game pieces necessary to remind your brain that seems every bit or should look like and what kind of parts to complete the picture. Repeatedly stated that short-term memory.

PuzzlePuzzle also promote a true synergy between the left and right brain. The left brain seems logical parts. E 'sequential, rational, analytical and objective. The left brain is stimulated by solving problems. The creative right brain sees the big picture. He wants random, intuitive and subjective, as well as the unusual. Puzzle offer the best of both worlds.

When you solve the puzzle, the brain is the essence of the work, both inHemispheres, the connections between the parties and also between brain cells. Compounds increase the ability to learn, understand and remember. In addition, every success with the puzzle - promotes the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter important in the brain that regulates mood and affect concentration and motivation - piacement the pieces together with the completion of the puzzle. Dopamine plays an important role in the way of reward and pleasure (and thrill addiction)The memory and motor control.

How to choose the puzzle?
When you select the puzzle, consider the following:

No activity for children - if you think you feel that the mystery child, do not go with him.
The degree of your loved one condition - they are great pieces at best, or is the norm, great puzzle-count the trick?
What is familiar - and favorite attractions, activities make great themes. You can also create your own puzzleswith family photos or other items for your loved ones.

Work on the puzzle with loved ones is a great way not only to improve their mental activity, but the creation of more enjoy the memories that you can.

Sources:

1 - "Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. N Engl J Med Vol 348, No. 14, p. 1356-1364.
2 - Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures 2009th
3 - every 70 seconds someone develops in the U.S.Alzheimer's disease.
4 - Prevalence of dementia in the United States: L ', Demography and Aging Memory Study. Neuroepidemiology. November 2007, 29 (1-2): 125-132.