He had also kept his condition in check by bolstering his brains with chess and other intellectual push-ups. (5) Cross-training counts. Focusing only on a single mental activity will not exercise all the cognitive domains needed to keep the brains agile. Furthermore, consistent and long-term mental stimulation appears to be the key to reducing risk of memory loss and dementia. According to studies these tiny wonders can give your cognitive skills a huge lift. Make sure you and the kids move away from those table junks so that tasks are completed with ease. Rev your brain up and tease it with playful thoughts. Challenge it every now and then as your day goes on. Develop a habit of engaging in a stimulating talk with a friend or colleague. In Buschkuehl s research, the respondents were trained in a visual/ auditory memory exam. The respondent subjects were initially tested using the German measure called Bochumer Matrizen-Test, where they scored an average of 10. After 19 days of 25 minutes-a-day training, they were able to improve their average to 14.7, a 40% increase of their initial score. According to the study led by Dr. Charles B. Hall from the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Einstein College of Medicine, New York; engaging in leisurely brain exercises like reading, writing and card playing could reduce memory decline. In their study, they observed 488 respondents ranging from 75 to 85 years old. With it, patients were able to benefit such things as mental clarity, emotional well-being, and the old abilities to concentrate. There were others, too, who were able to even enhance their physical performances in sports, for instance. Alternatives Thankfully, you can do your own brain training. Do crossword puzzles, sudoku, as well as other word and board games. Super fuels Certain substances such as caffeine (in coffee and tea) have been scientifically validated as super-fuels for the brain, giving a short-term boost to functions such as vigilance and memory. Some studies also indicated there may be positive long-term effects when these substances are consumed in moderation.