Think brain puzzles are just a hobby? Research shows doing crosswords, sudoku, or jigsaws regularly can sharpen memory, improve attention—and might even delay dementia. Ready to puzzle daily?

For example, one found that, among adults who developed dementia, those who regularly completed crossword puzzles delayed the onset of memory decline by more than two years compared to those who ...

How learning new activities helps prevent dementia, from dancing to jigsaw puzzles. ... When we think of ways to train our mind, doing crosswords and Sudoku puzzles often come to mind.