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

Health:Red wine provides NO health benefits if you are overweight

It’s been touted as a cure-all for diabetes, dementia, heart disease and even hearing loss, but the miraculous health benefits of red wine cannot be reaped if you are obese, say researchers.

Resveratrol, the active compound found in the skins of red grapes and cocoa, is an antioxidant produced by plants to help protect them from extreme environments and block the effects of ultraviolet sunlight, infections and temperature changes.

The research, published in journal Diabetes, found that although test-tube studies had suggested that resveratrol had an effect on obesity, diabetes, high blood-pressure and blood cholesterol, it had no effect on 24 obese, but otherwise healthy men.

The study, carried out by Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, gave 12 men high-dose supplements of the substance and 12 men a placebo for four weeks. 
Over this period the participant’s insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, cholesterol, and resting energy expenditure were monitored.Researchers found that there was an insignificant decrease in insulin sensitivity and no change in blood pressure, cholesterol and resting energy expenditure.

The research contradicts previous data showing that the life of lab rodents - including old, fat, and even diabetic mice – could be extended by supplementing the diet with the chemical. It was presumed that the chemical could work in the same way for humans.