do crosswords really help prevent Alzheimer's?

My mother did crosswords almost until she died. She did develop dementia, though not Alzheimer's disease. Crossword puzzles are a good way to exercise the brain, but it's good to do a variety of things, as even crossword puzzles tend to find a pattern. You want to shake things up a bit, so you have to work your brain harder. Still, sticking with the crossword puzzles is a good idea. Just find new challenges, too.

Carol

Crosswords as well as many other activities can help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia.  You can read about these in our Prevention section - lifestyle choices such as exercise and diet as well as other tips.

All the best, sue

Crosswords are one way to keep a portion of your brain sharp, but that's only the part that deals with language. Your brain has so many other areas so try to figure out how to "cross-train" (much like what is recommended to do in the gym so you can work all your muscles). I've addressed these in a few shareposts that you might be interested in:

Trying New Things to Keep My Brain Sharp

Lifestyle Changes You Make to Delay or Prevent Alzheimer's

Dorian

The therapist tell us that they help to exercise my mom's brain, but my mamma has ALWAYS worked crossword puzzles as long as I can remember. she has forgot how to do them now, but she still tries and asks for new books.