Numerous studies have found that people who are in the early stages of dementia or cognitive decline can significantly benefit by doing puzzles on a regular basis.  This is because the puzzles provide  a form of mental stimulation that can have many positive effects.

One study from the United Kingdom found  that people with mild or moderate dementia enjoyed several benefits by regularly doing puzzles, and other mentally challenging activities, including:

• Improved sense of well-being;
• Improved mental functioning; and
• Improved social interactions.

Researchers  have observed these benefits in well structured studies that include control groups.  The use of control groups allows the researchers to accurately compare the people with dementia who have engaged in the extra mental activities and people with dementia who did not have the same opportunity to engage in additional cognitive challenges.

Study Citations

Bob Woods, Elisa Aguirre, Aimee E. Spector, Martin Orrell: “Cognitive Stimulation to Improve Cognitive Functioning in People with Dementia.” Cochrane Library, Feb. 15, 2012, published online DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005562.pub2

Daniela Mapelli,a,* Elisa Di Rosa,a Rosaria Nocita,b and  Donatella Savab: “Cognitive Stimulation in Patients with Dementia: Randomized Controlled Trial”  Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2013 Jan-Dec; 3(1): 263–271.  Published online 2013 Aug 29. doi:  10.1159/000353457