Are Word Games & Puzzles Good for Your Brain?

Word games and puzzles aren’t just a source of entertainment. They also bring a sense of accomplishment if you complete a challenging one. Some may argue that no board game collection is complete without Scrabble, and newspapers have included crossword puzzles for decades.

But could word games be a form of exercise for your brain, helping it stay healthy and young by regularly challenging it?

“ There is no clear evidence that proves word games have any substantial impact on preventing memory loss or dementia, but I definitely recommend word games, puzzles or other thoughtprovoking activities over watching TV,” said Dr. Yuvraj Heir, a neurologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “Anything that challenges your mind or memory is healthy.”

Your Brain Also Benefits From Physical Exercise

While exercising your mind may not have known benefits to your brain health, Heir added that there are steps you can take between games to help keep your brain young as you age.

“Studies consistently show that physical activity is incredibly benefical for the brain,” Heir noted. “It can improve cognition, memory or sleep as well as reduce anxiety and depression — all things that promote brain health.”

People who make exercise a habit also have a reduced risk of dementia. In fact, one study found that people who are inactive are almost twice as likely to experience subjective cognitive decline — worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss — as those who exercise regularly.

Habitual exercise also reduces a person’s risk of stroke — when blood flw to the brain is blocked. Stroke can cause brain damage in just minutes and is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

“Your heart supplies your brain with blood, so keeping your brain young also means keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy,” Heir added.

3 Expert Tips For Keeping Your Brain Young

If your goal is to take steps to benefit your brain health, Heir has some specific avice:

1. Make exercise a habit. Aim to get about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week but know that even just getting 10 or more minutes makes a difference.

2. Eat healthy. Minimize processed foods, added sugars and unhealthy fats. Prioritize eating healthy portions of whole foods (vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats).

3. Focus on mental health. Strive to keep a positive, optimistic outlook, take steps to reduce unnecessary stress, and don’t ignore the signs of anxiety or depression. •

SIGNS IT’S TIME TO SEE A NEUROLOGIST

If you or a loved one has unexplained symptoms that could be related to the brain or nervous system, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with a specialist. Here are a few signs that it’s time to see a neurologist:

■ Chronic or severe headache

■ Chronic pain

■ Dizziness

■ Numbness or tingling

■ Movement problems

■ Memory problems or confusion

A neurologist can help identify the cause of the symptoms and create a treatment plan for both common and complex neurological conditions. Some neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease.

Team of Experts

Our team at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital consists of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuro-ophthalmologists and other specialists who work collaboratively to provide you with exceptional care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/ woodlands-neuro or call 936.270.3900

Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Despite being one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, many people are still unaware of the importance of early detection and treatment.

If detected early, colorectal cancer has a high survival rate. However, if it is not detected until it has progressed, the chances of survival decrease signifiantly. Ths is why early detection is key.

How It Develops

Colorectal cancer attacks the large intestine — the long digestive organ that removes solid waste from the body. The majority of colorectal cancers start as polyps.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

■ Abdominal pain, bloating or cramps

■ Bright red or black stool

■ Changes in bowel habits, such as new constipation or diarrhea

■ Exhaustion

■ Unexplained weight loss

“Oftentimes people dismiss the symptoms of colorectal cancer until it’s too late,” said Dr. Jean Knapps, colorectal surgeon at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “They attribute blood loss to a hemorrhoid or something they ate. But when symptoms become more chronic, you need to get checked out by your doctor.”

Screening Is Vital

Screening methods, such as colonoscopies, can detect cancer in its early stages and increase the chances of successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that most individuals begin screening around age 45. However, if you are at higher risk or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should start earlier.

There are several types of screening tests available. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you and your screening schedule. Screening options include:

■ Colonoscopy, this is the most common test. While under sedation, a small camera is used to examine the inside of your colon and look for polyps or any other abnormalities.

“Colonoscopies also serve as a preventative measure,” Knapps explained. “If we fid something like a polyp, we can remove it immediately.” It is a fairly simple procedure that takes under 30 minutes to complete. “The worst part of the procedure is the preparation,” Knapps said. “You go home the same day and can resume your normal diet and activities right away.”

■ Stool DNA test, a sample of your stool will be examined for genetic mutations and blood products in the stool.

■ CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), X-rays and a CT scan are used to make pictures of the inside of the colon and rectum.

■ Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), a sample of your stool will be examined for hidden blood.

■ Flexible sigmoidoscopy, much like a colonoscopy, doctors use a device to examine inside the rectum and lower colon.

“A 20-minute procedure can prevent a lot of grief down the road,” Knapps emphasized. •