For preserving our brain power, puzzles beat vitamins or workouts say scientists

Forget vitamins and exercise – if you want to stave off mental decline try a Sudoku instead, say scientists.

A review of various studies on how to preserve brainpower found only a mental workout made a difference in later life.

In Britain, around 820,000 people have dementia, most suffering from Alzheimer’s

Some research has found exercise can cut the risk of dementia, while other studies suggest doing crosswords, playing cards or using a computer.


Only mental training, which featured in three trials, showed benefits every time. The research said: ‘In one trial, participants had significantly improved memory during five-year follow-up periods.’

Crossword: Research has called for more research into 'easily accessible tools' to hone mental skills, such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku