Why does a jigsaw puzzle help maintain memory?

Have you ever played a jigsaw puzzle and know exactly what to do but couldn’t find one piece and which made you feel irritated ?

We all faced this situation and so we know how much the jigsaw puzzle is helpful in maintaining memory and keeping the connection alive. 

In recent times it is said that for senior citizens also the jigsaw puzzle plays an inevitable role in in developing the inner cells of the brain. According to statistics, about 50 million people suffer from dementia worldwide and most of them include seniors. In fact, this medical condition is regarded as one of the main causes of disability and dependency among older people whose cognitive functions deteriorate as they age.

•  connections between brain cells,
•  improves mental speed and is an effective way to improve short-term memory. 
• Puzzles increase the production of dopamine, a chemical that regulates mood, memory, and concentration. 

Dopamine which is the scientific name for happiness released with every success as we solve the puzzle.

Senior citizens aged above 60 become weaker when it comes to brain cells. This time the brain needs some TRIGGER to generate memory and maintain the link. Puzzle creates this trigger which creates the happy hormone .

Here let us point out what doctors have found out that senior citizens need more of Puzzle games 

1. Develops Mental exercise

Doing puzzles can be considered a complete brain exercise since it exercises both the right and left sides. The older person becomes more acquainted and can link.  The right is in charge of creativity, emotions and intuitive thinking; and the left is the logical, objective and methodical side.

When you do a puzzle both sides must communicate and work together, increasing cognitive function. The occipital lobe is the area where the brain connects colors and shapes and it is also activated. Exercising the mind helps prevent cognitive decline.

2. Better Visual-Spatial Reasoning

To assemble a puzzle we see different pieces and we must place them within a larger image. Doing this exercise regularly helps us improve our spatial reasoning.

3. Greater Attention to Detail

When solving a puzzle, especially if the pieces are very similar, it is crucial to pay attention to details. You need to train your eyes to find the small differences in colors or shapes that will help you complete the image. The ability to capture small details can help us in all aspects of our lives, especially at work. When we are more detailed and precise, the quality of our work improves.

The best advice to start with puzzle will be to start with basic simple ones and if you see your grandparents can do it you can go for more detailed ones. Also communication is the key for effective puzzle solving . 

Jigsaw puzzles for adults are one of the many brain-stimulating activities recommended to maintain cognitive health and make coping with dementia symptoms much easier.

Written by Sayoni Mahapatra Chatterji

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