Cognition and Function

Engaging Thoughts for Engaging Brains

Group of elderly persons in a paint classAccording to the National Institute on Aging, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities can help delay or slow cognitive decline. Many lifestyle factors are interrelated; for instance, Harvard Medical School notes that social interaction can also stimulate cognition, including memory and attention.

There are many ways to engage in cognitively stimulating activities. Below are some examples from various online resources to give you some ideas you could implement. Important items to consider are your level of enjoyment of the particular activity and the ease of incorporating it into your daily life.

Many of these examples promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Neuroplasticity is a critical factor in combating cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease or related conditions.

1

Learning new skills

Picking up new hobbies like playing a musical instrument, learning a language, or practicing a new art form can stimulate different parts of the brain. This learning can lead to brain growth (neuroplasticity) which may enhance resilience to the effects of neurological disorders.
2

Reading

Regular reading, especially materials that challenge comprehension or introduce new concepts, helps maintain cognitive functions.
3

Puzzles and games

Activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, chess, or other strategy-based games can enhance memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and help exercise the brain.
4

Social interaction

Engaging in conversations and socializing regularly can improve cognitive abilities and emotional health, both of which are important for preventing cognitive decline.
5

Memory exercises

Playing memory games or using memory apps that challenge recall and recognition can strengthen neural pathways.
6

Writing

Journaling, creative writing, or even writing letters can stimulate cognitive functions by encouraging language skills and memory retrieval.
7

Physical exercise


Activities like dancing or aerobics that combine physical and mental coordination help stimulate the brain while keeping the body active. For more ideas on physical exercise, see our Strength & Physical Activity page.
8

Playing video games and using computers/technology

Some video games, especially those that require strategy, planning, and rapid decision-making, can be beneficial for cognitive health. Navigating and using computers and technology also require problem solving skills and can provide opportunities for learning new skills.
9

Attending lectures or classes

Lifelong learning, such as taking courses or attending lectures on unfamiliar topics, is a great way to engage the brain.
10

Pursuing activities that interest you

Simply doing and engaging in things that are interesting to you can help keep your mind working.
Elderly man reading on a park benchSevere Cognitive Impairment or Dementia

After the onset of severe cognitive decline or dementia, it is important to keep individuals engaged in enjoyable activities that are appropriate to their level of functioning. This may help stimulate the individual’s brain and enhance their quality of life. However, it is also important to prevent overstimulation, which may be a source of stress. The Alzheimer’s Association provides useful information on how to adapt activities for those with dementia.

Sources
  1. Medical News Today, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-exercises#meditation
  2. National Institute on Aging, Cognitive Training. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know#training
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Does Higher Learning Combat Dementia? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/does-higher-learning-combat-dementia
  4. Alzheimer’s Association. Activities.  https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities?gad_source=1