What Is Cognitive Engagement And Why Is It Important?

MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER Mid-Atlantic Chapter

A senior citizen does a crossword puzzle for cognitive engagement and brain health

By Jeannie Finnegan

CDP, Elder Care & Dementia Care Specialist at Stanton Aging Solutions

Many factors affect brain health, and research demonstrates that certain activities appear to slow cognitive decline, including exercise, adequate sleep, social interaction, and cognitive engagement (also called cognitive stimulation). One study found that mentally intact individuals in their 70s and 80s were asked how frequently they participated in six activities that required active cognitive engagement—reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, engaging in group discussions, and playing music.

An article from Harvard Health Publishing mentioned the study and said, “In the following five years, those who placed in the highest third in terms of how often they engaged in mentally stimulating activities were half as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as those in the lowest third. An earlier study found a similar link between brain-stretching activities and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.”

We know that in certain respects, the phrase “use-it-or-lose-it” applies to the brain. Cognitive abilities and brain health may weaken with age, illness, or poor habits. Cognitive engagement activities are a great way to defy this deterioration — helping you improve your attention, memory, and overall mental health. And thanks to something called neuroplasticity — the malleable nature of the brain —we all have an inherent capacity to undertake any new task or learn new things at any age, thanks to neuroplasticity. People of all ages should regularly engage in cognitively stimulating activities for optimal brain health. Older adults in large numbers are learning new skills, pursuing new hobbies, and going back to college to pursue their interests and achieve their goals.

In addition, cognitive reserve is the brain’s ability to find alternate ways of accomplishing things. The only way to improve how your brain gets things done is to perform new tasks and challenge your brain to learn something new (a new skill, new vocabulary, etc.) Cognitive enhancement activities can help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, and can also help with the management of dementia. Everyone needs cognitive stimulation, including those with dementia, and cognitive enhancement can greatly add to the quality of life for everyone.