September 14, 2026
As interest in protecting brain health and reducing the risk of memory loss continues to grow, many people are turning to puzzles, brain-training apps and other cognitive games in hopes of keeping their minds sharp. While these activities can play a role, the most effective strategy is much broader.
"The brain is not a separate entity from the rest of the body," says Dr. Luis Cruz Saavedra, neurologist with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates. "To keep your brain healthy, you have to take care of your whole self: your body, your mind and your spirit."
According to Dr. Cruz Saavedra, maintaining brain health begins with a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes physical activity, quality sleep, healthy nutrition, emotional well-being, meaningful relationships and spiritual wellness.
He says this comprehensive approach creates the foundation for lifelong cognitive health. "I keep my own brain sharp by prioritizing my spiritual life, my love life, my diet, my sleep and my physical activity," he mentions. "A strong balance between spiritual, emotional and physical health is essential to keeping the brain sharp."
Brain Games Go Far Beyond Puzzles
Many people associate "brain games" with crossword puzzles or Sudoku, but Dr. Cruz Saavedra says almost any activity that challenges your brain can provide cognitive stimulation.
"Anything that requires you to think, plan, solve problems or process information can be considered a brain game," he says.
Activities that help stimulate your brain include:
- Gardening
- Carpentry
- Learning a musical instrument
- Taking up a new language
- Cooking and following recipes
- Reading and participating in book clubs
- Socializing with family and friends
- Playing strategy-based games such as Scrabble or Monopoly
- Solving complex puzzles
Many of these activities engage multiple parts of your brain while also encouraging creativity, planning and problem-solving.
Why Challenging Your Brain Matters
According to the Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: World Health Organization 2026 guidelines, cognitive activities may benefit both healthy adults and individuals experiencing mild memory impairment, although researchers continue studying which activities offer the greatest long-term benefits.
"I often compare the brain to a muscle," Dr. Cruz Saavedra said. "The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes."
Cognitively stimulating activities help promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to create new connections between nerve cells and adapt throughout life.
Lifestyle Matters More Than Any Single Activity
While brain games can be beneficial, Dr. Cruz Saavedra cautions they are unlikely to overcome unhealthy habits. "If someone completes puzzles every day but only sleeps three or four hours each night, doesn't exercise, has a poor diet and uncontrolled chronic medical conditions, those brain games may provide very little benefit," he says.
Instead, he encourages people to create a comprehensive "brain game plan" that includes:
- Regular physical exercise
- Seven to nine hours of quality sleep
- A healthy, balanced diet
- Stress management through prayer, meditation or deep breathing
- Social engagement
- Mentally challenging hobbies
- Management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
The American Heart Association connects cardiovascular health and brain health. Conditions including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and excessive alcohol use have all been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Start Small and Choose Activities You Enjoy
If you’re looking to improve brain health, choose activities that fit your interests, abilities and schedules. "The best activity is one you'll continue doing consistently," Cruz Saavedra states. "Start with small, achievable goals and look for activities that offer multiple benefits."
For example, cooking healthy meals exercises planning and problem-solving skills while supporting good nutrition. Gardening combines physical activity with cognitive engagement. Learning a new instrument or language challenges memory and attention while building new neural connections.
For healthy adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Cruz Saavedra often encourages more challenging learning activities. For people living with dementia, he recommends frequent social interaction and games involving family members, making participation both enjoyable and meaningful.
Ultimately, he mentions there is no magic brain game. "The strongest evidence supports a comprehensive approach," Dr. Cruz Saavedra says. "When you combine healthy habits with mentally stimulating activities, you're giving your brain the best opportunity to stay sharp as you age."
