Research: Reading, Solving Puzzles Help Keep You Mentally Fit

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Reading and doing puzzles isn't just fun, it's also good for keeping your memory sharp.

New research shows reading, writing, or other brain-stimulating activities like crossword puzzles help people retain memory.

Researchers followed about 300 older people, giving them tests to measure their memory and thinking.

Patients were also asked about how much mental exercise they did during each stage of their life.

"The people that are very active actually decline 70 percent slower compared to people who are not very mentally active," said Dr. David Bennett of Rush University Medical Center.

Researchers say it's not clear whether the brain boosting activities enhance existing memory or whether they are creating entirely new connections in the brain.