Game On: How Playing Games Keeps Your Brain Young and Sharp

As we age, maintaining brain health becomes increasingly important. While physical exercise often takes center stage in conversations about healthy aging, mental exercise is just as critical. One enjoyable and effective way to keep your mind sharp is by playing games. Whether it’s a board game, a puzzle, or a video game, engaging in playful activities can offer a host of benefits for brain health, memory, and even the mitigation of dementia.

Just recently I signed up for an interactive learning app called Brilliant.  I am working my way through my favorite topic - special relativity - 10 minutes at a time. As I age I seem to forget things I knew like the back of my hand. Revisiting science and math concepts via a gamified approach has made learning - well re-learning fun and enjoyable. My family has a long tradition of gathering around a meal or grazing all day long and playing a variety of games. It allows for fun banter, and challenges us in ways that are healthy for our mind.

The Brain Loves a Challenge

The human brain thrives on stimulation. Games provide precisely that by challenging cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and focus. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help build cognitive reserve, a kind of mental resilience that delays the onset of dementia symptoms.

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that older adults who engage in cognitively stimulating activities are 30% less likely to develop dementia than their peers who don’t. Games create opportunities for learning, strategy, and critical thinking, keeping your mind agile and adaptive.

Top Benefits of Playing Games for Brain Health

1. Improves Memory

   Many games require players to recall rules, strategies, or sequences, which helps boost both short-term and long-term memory. For example:

   • Card games like bridge or rummy demand concentration and the ability to remember what’s been played.

   • Puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku exercise recall and pattern recognition.

This mental workout strengthens neural connections, helping to slow memory decline as we age.

2. Boosts Problem-Solving SkillsGames often require players to think critically and develop strategies to succeed. Whether it’s a game of chess, a strategy-based video game, or even escape room puzzles, this kind of problem-solving keeps the brain engaged and encourages creative thinking.

3. Delays Cognitive DeclineAccording to the Alzheimer’s Association, regular mental stimulation, including through games, can help delay cognitive decline and dementia. Brain games and puzzles encourage neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections.

4. Reduces Stress and Enhances MoodPlaying games isn’t just good for your brain; it’s great for your mental health too. Games stimulate the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which reduces stress and enhances mood. Reduced stress levels are directly linked to better cognitive performance and mental well-being.

5. Encourages Social InteractionSocial games—like trivia nights, team board games, or multiplayer video games—offer more than just entertainment. They also provide crucial social engagement, which has been shown to reduce the risk of depression and dementia. According to a study in Neurology, maintaining strong social connections can improve cognitive health and add years to life.

   
   

Why Brain Health Matters as We Age

As we grow older, the brain naturally undergoes changes that can affect memory, thinking, and processing speed. While some degree of decline is normal, lifestyle choices can significantly impact how well our brains age. Games serve as a fun, accessible way to maintain cognitive fitness and build resilience against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Playing games provides:

• Mental agility: A sharper brain is better equipped to handle everyday challenges.

• Engagement: Staying mentally active keeps boredom and isolation at bay, two factors that can contribute to cognitive decline.

• Routine exercise: Just as consistent physical workouts strengthen the body, regular mental workouts via games strengthen the brain.

  
  

How to Incorporate Games into Your Routine

1. Make it a Family Affair: Schedule regular game nights with family or friends. It’s a great way to stay connected and exercise your brain.

2. Try Brain-Training Apps: Apps like Lumosity or Elevate are designed to target specific cognitive skills.

3. Join a Group: Many communities have clubs for chess, bridge, or trivia, combining mental stimulation with social interaction.

4. Mix It Up: Incorporate a variety of games to keep your brain challenged in different ways.

   
   

Play for Life

The benefits of playing games go far beyond simple entertainment. They are a powerful tool for improving memory, boosting mental agility, and mitigating the effects of aging on the brain. In a world where stress and isolation are common, games offer a joyful and social way to support lifelong cognitive health.

So, whether you’re solving a jigsaw puzzle, battling it out in a game of Scrabble, or mastering the latest app-based brain teaser, remember: it’s not just play—it’s brain training for a better future.

Now, what’s your favorite game to keep your mind sharp? Share it in the comments below!

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1. Verghese J, Lipton RB, Katz MJ, et al. Leisure Activities and the Risk of Dementia in the Elderly. JAMA. 2003;289(3):312-318. doi:10.1001/jama.289.3.312

2. Geda YE, et al. Participation in mentally stimulating activities, especially computer use, was associated with a 30% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment in older adults. Neurology. Summarized in Practical Neurology, July 2019. Retrieved from: Practical Neurology​

   Practical Neurology

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