Dementia occurs when brain cells change or become damaged to cause problems with memory, thinking, and reasoning. This cognitive condition tends to be more common in older adults, though anyone of any age can get it.
If you’re concerned about getting dementia, you may be pleased to know it’s possible to avoid it entirely, even if it runs in your family. Playing games—specifically word games—is one proven way to exercise, challenge, and strengthen your brain while having fun in the process!
Here’s a closer look at how playing word games can help prevent dementia and cognitive decline, along with tips for playing app games that support optimal brain health.
How Can Word Games Help the Brain?
Dementia is typically caused by one or more factors that compromise the health of your brain cells, brain structure, and nerves. For instance, alcohol use is one of the greatest risk factors for dementia because it can physically damage brain cells and reduce levels of vitamins like thiamine (B1) that play important roles in cognition. Other common risk factors of dementia include poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation.
The human body is incredibly resilient. Many of its organs—including the brain—can repair and regenerate with the right support. This process is known as neuroplasticity, where the brain adapts, changes, and reorganizes its structure in response to learning and strengthens existing neural pathways while also forming new ones as part of the healing response.
Playing games—including word games—is shown to support neuroplasticity and help repair damaged brain cells and severed connections. Games can stimulate, excite, and challenge the brain to support the rebuilding of healthy brain structures. Engaging with others while playing games may even reduce social isolation, another major risk factor for dementia.
Here are a few study findings on the positive link between games and cognitive health:
- In 2003, researchers wanted to see whether “leisure activities” could reduce the risk for dementia in a group of 469 adults over the age of 75. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveals that leisure activities (specifically reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing) are linked to a reduced risk of dementia.
- In 2014, researchers evaluated the effect of crossword puzzles on memory in 488 adults between the ages of 75 and 85. The study, published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, shows that crossword puzzles can delay memory loss in early-stage dementia by building new neural pathways.
- In 2020, researchers performed a review on the effects of different games on dementia symptoms. The review, published in the IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, reveals that board games and video games may lead to significant improvements in short-term memory, reasoning, and communication in people with early and middle-stage dementia.
Which Word Games Are Best for Dementia?
Nearly any word game can help you avoid dementia as long as it challenges and stimulates your brain!
Board games can be fun to play in person with friends and family. App games can also be incredibly fun, especially since many of them allow you to invite and play with people you know in real life. Many app games also offer special challenges, rewards, and events to keep players engaged, excited, and motivated to log in every day.
Here are a few popular and fun word games that may help prevent dementia and cognitive decline. All are available on Android and/or iOS:
- Last Letter First. The gameplay is simple: a player enters a word, and the next player must enter a new word that starts with the last letter of the previous player’s word.
- Words With Friends. Similar to Scrabble, players take turns making words and arranging them in crossword-puzzle style on a playing board.
- Wordle. Players get six chances to guess the 5-letter Wordle of the day.
- Wordscapes. Swipe letters in different directions to form a word, just like you would an anagram.
- Word Connect. Construct words to fill in the blanks of sentences and improve your vocabulary.
Tips on Playing App Games to Prevent Dementia
Try to keep your brain challenged consistently—this is key to reducing your risk for dementia. Stick to playing word games you genuinely enjoy, and consider keeping a variety of apps installed on your device for times when you feel like changing things up.
Here are some tips to keep the experience enjoyable, beneficial, and stress-free:
- Install app games on tablets instead of smartphones. Tablets have larger screens that may be easier to see and navigate.
- Keep a variety of word games installed. This can help when you’re feeling frustrated with a certain game or simply feel like trying something different.
- Be cautious of in-app purchases. Some games give you the option to buy in-game currencies, such as extra coins, gemstones, etc., to upgrade features or participate in special tournaments. Many times, this currency is awarded to you for free when you win games or matches, but you may have to play for longer periods.
- Look for word games with 3D, if possible. In a 2020 study, researchers learned that 3D games are more effective at boosting recognition memory than 2D games.
- Have fun! Choose games that are fun, simple, engaging, and tailored to your skills and interests.
Are you a fan of word games? Try Last Letter First!
Last Letter First is an easy-to-play word game for up to 10 players. The first player enters a word, and the next player’s word must start with the last letter of the first player’s word. Players earn points based on the letters used, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Play Last Letter First in your browser, install for Android, or download for iPad.
