If you’ve been trying to stave off senior moments with brain-boosting activities, you need to know that new evidence suggests that these specific training regimes are not any better than simple conversations at improving memory in older adults.
Some studies show that healthy older adults, and those with mild cognitive impairment, do remember words better after some memory training. However, seniors with memory training do not improve their memory any more than do seniors who participate in a discussion about art, for instance, instead of drilling with a list of words.
One psychologist suggests that as memory loss and typical slowing down occurs, all kinds of activity are helpful, not just cognitive interventions.
In other words, there’s no need to stop word drills and memory games, but just know that they may not be as effective as you once thought. Have friends in for conversation, play board games with neighbors, participate in discussion groups and stay active in your church or synagogue. The important thing is that you not count on just one thing to keep your mind alert!
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