MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'crossword puzzles'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:31:16 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118716&cid=t_147548_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F26686253%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EStudy-Brain-Games-Give-Cognitive-Boost.htm At last, there is scientific proof that it’s possible to boost generalized cognitive performance with specific training, in this case web-based brain games. For years, we’ve heard first that we should keep sharp by doing crossword puzzles or similar brain-challenging activities, only to find later that research has been unable to prove their effectiveness in [...] CommentsPosit counts Dr. Michael Merzenich, a key figure in ... by Roger DooleyI'm a big fan of Lumosity. Can definitely see improvement in my ... by Ben MillerPlus 6 more...Related StoriesBrain Fitness: Skip the Sudoku, Be a VolunteerA Better Brain in Four DaysUse Your Cell Phone, Save Your Brain (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118716 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:38:24 +0100 5118716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077771&cid=t_147548_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F28%2F5-reasons-for-the-joy-of-craft-or-why-is-computer-programming-fun%2F I recently read (sort of) Frederick Brooks’s The Mythical Man-Month. As I understand it, this book is a cult classic, and I was very curious to read it. It’s about software project management, and even though that’s a subject about which I know nothing, I found the book very interesting — that is, the parts I could understand. My favorite section was a discussion of “The Joys of Craft,” in which Brooks answers the question, “Why is programming fun?” This question interests me because it’s such a good reminder of my Secret of Adulthood: Just because something is fun for someone else doesn’t mean it’s fun for me — and vice versa. Nothing is inherently fun. Some people find computer programming fun, or skiing, shopping, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077771 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:21:46 +0100 5077771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532379&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsdlqkXmDu3M%2F This study supports that patients with vit­a­min D defi­ciency show an increased risk of cog­ni­tive decline. Baby Sleeps and Brain Development: How much sleep a 12 month old baby gets can influ­ence the devel­op­ment of his/her exec­u­tive func­tions. PTSD: Can we Disrupt the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories? A discussion of the dif­fer­ent tech­niques used/ under research that can help PTSD patients. ; Books and Summit Updates Visual Illusions in Art and Science: These surprising classic illusions illustrate how art and magic can help science in undertansing how we perceive the world around us. 2011 SharpBrains Summit Agenda: You can now view the latest Agenda for the whole Summit and a 3-minute clip to learn how the SharpBrains Virtual Sum­mit: Retooling Brai... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532379 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:07:18 +0100 4532379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436845&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FhhTb65BWQDQ%2F In conclusion our research has shown that cryptic crosswords can help improve cognitive functioning in later life, which might not be the case for general knowledge crosswords. Overall the take-home message is continue doing the cryptic crosswords, even if they are a struggle! —  Nicholas Almond has been based at the University of Leeds, UK, for almost twelve years. Nick has just completed his PhD in cognitive neuropsychology, which investigated the relationship between cognitive activity and cognitive decline in healthy aging. . References 1. Hambrick, D. Z., Salthouse, T. A. & Meinz, E. J. (1999). Predictors of Crossword Puzzle Proficiency and Moderators of Age-Cognition Relations. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12(2), 131–164. 2. Dunlosky, J., Kubat-Silman, A. K. & Her... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436845 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:13:30 +0100 4436845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706638&cid=t_147548_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F185764%2F Coffee may prevent Alzheimer’s, but what’s the catch? According to a story yesterday on NPR’s Morning Edition, researchers recorded improvements in lab mice with Alzheimer’s, but only if the critters got a ton of caffeine. Theoretically, the human equivalent would mean drinking at least five cups of regular coffee every day, but at this point these findings are inconclusive. So keep doing your crossword puzzles. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706638 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:19:26 +0100 3706638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227842&cid=t_147548_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F4176451%2F11tb0w%2Fneuromarketing%7EBrain-Fitness-Skip-the-Sudoku-Be-a-Volunteer.htm Just-published research in the Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences shows that volunteering and similar social activities are helpful in staving off mental decline in later years, and can actually improve cognition. CommentsComments (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227842 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:14:02 +0100 3227842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730216&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWHlTXhmYm30%2F In a recently published scientific study (see Hall C, et al “Cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia” Neurology 2009; 73: 356-361), Hall and colleagues examined how education and stimulating activities may interact to contribute to cognitive reserve. The study involved 488 initially healthy people, average age 79, who enrolled in the Bronx Aging Study between 1980 and 1983. These individuals were followed for 5 years with assessments every 12 to 18 months (starting in 1980). At the start of the study, all participants were asked how many cognitive activities (reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music) they participated in and for how many days a week. Researchers were able to evaluate the imp... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730216 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:57:49 +0100 2730216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2517300&cid=t_147548_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fkeeping-your-brain-active-10-tips-for-improving-your-brain%2F The other day I was listening to an interview on National Public Radio with Dean Oshler who has just written a book called From Square One: A Meditation, with Digressions, on Crosswords. During the interview I was surprised to hear Mr. Oshler challenge the widely held belief that regularly doing crossword puzzles is good for your brain fitness and can help stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Oshler’s problem with crossword solving is twofold: first, he believes the clinical data showing an advantage for puzzlers is both weak and only observational (”[The researcher] never said that there was a cause-and-effect relationship. He said there was a correlation. Maybe it just so happens that people who are mentally fit have a tendency to want to do crosswords in the first place&#822... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2517300 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:27:30 +0100 2517300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2201192&cid=t_147548_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fcrafts-games-and-books-can-delay-memory-loss%2F There’s good news for those of you who like to do crafts, read books or play games. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have found that those people who regularly engaged in mentally stimulating activities during middle age reduced their likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment in older age by 40 percent. Similarly, those who did these activities when they were 65 and over reduced their chances of mental decline by 30 to 50 percent. The key factor seems to be the degree of mental involvement or challenge of the activity, because those who simply watched TV all day did not show a reduction in cognitive impairment (some TV is ok, but watching more than seven hours a day was associated with more mental decline than less than seven hours a day). The study involved 197 people betwe... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2201192 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:20:45 +0100 2201192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173830&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F536056048%2F Study Questions Effectiveness Of $80 Million Per Year 'Brain Exercise Products Industry for Elderly (Science Daily) - "There is much research on the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation strategies among elderly who already experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease, as well as on the positive impact of physical exercise. The researchers, however, wanted to evaluate current research that would focus on the impact of cognitive interventions in the healthy elderly population." - "...they concluded that there was no evidence indicating that structured cognitive intervention programs had an impact on the progression of dementia in the healthy elderly population" Comment:  we have not reviewed the analysis yet, so cannot comment in depth. However, just... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173830 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:10:15 +0100 2173830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2151002&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F01%2Fupdate-learning-about-learning-more-on-brain-age%2F Here you have the January edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. Bird's Eye View Brain fitness heads towards its tipping point: How do you know when something is moving towards a Gladwellian tipping point? When health insurance companies and public policy makers launch significant initiatives. Dr. Gerard Finnemore provides a market overview, based on SharpBrains' client webinar held last December. Ten Reflections on Cognitive Health and Assessments: Here are 10 highlights from several stimulating January events:?? Symposium on Adaptive Technology for the Aging (by Arizona State University), Health Bloggers' Summ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2151002 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:18:41 +0100 2151002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160939&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F531109479%2F We present a very complex task, mixing different forms of stimuli (auditory, visual) under time pressure. - Designed for Transferability: The tasks can be designed in a way that do not allow for the development of task-specific "strategies" to beat the game. One needs to truly expand capacity, and this helps ensure the transfer of to non-trained tasks." brain age, Brain Training, brain training games, cognitive benefits, cognitive psychology, crossword puzzles, enhance intelligence, fluid intelligence, intelligence, Lieury, nintendo, Nintendo Brain Age, nintendo brain training, Rise of Nations, videogame (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160939 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:14:48 +0100 2160939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1991740&cid=t_147548_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fpreventing-alzheimers-disease-a-scambuster-report%2F Last time, I wrote about Ginkgo biloba being ineffective for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, which may have led you to wonder what actually can prevent it? In your Internet search, you might have been drawn in by the headline at CNN: “Five ways to keep Alzheimer’s away.” Unfortunately, that article, as with many similar ones that abound on the Internet, is long on hype and short on hard evidence. The article is so misleading, in fact, that before I tell you what’s really known about preventing Alzheimer’s I’d like to briefly puncture that particular hot air balloon.The CNN list of five ways to prevent Alzheimer’s begins with antioxidants, and in particular, vitamins A, C and E. They quote a psychiatrist who claims that “There are... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1991740 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:57:29 +0100 1991740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1350138&cid=t_147548_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F263633134%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains.com. Copyright 2008. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. attention and control, Baumeister, behavior, brain, brain functioning, cognitive, cognitive performance, cognitive tasks, crossword puzzles, depression, Gladstone, introverts, memory, mental fitness, Pascale Michelon, shy, social connections, socialization, Working memory, Ybarra (Sour... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1350138 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:09:35 +0100 1350138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=914583&cid=t_147548_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fmental-exercises-create-your-own.html Looking for some mental exercise? At Crossword Puzzle Games I've found a new hobby to share with caregivers and seniors - creating custom crossword puzzles. Free software on the internet allows you to write your own clues and answers. Memory exercises and word games have been long recommended for seniors, or for anyone who wants a mental workout, and this adds a new aspect to crosswords.To write a crossword puzzle, first you list the words and clues, and then the software produces the information in a crossword puzzle format. For my own projects I am using trivia from historical eras for creating crosswords. For instance, I'm creating a puzzle now with trivia from the 1950's that includes words like "hoola hoop."I'm always looking for activities for caregivers or activity leaders to use wi... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=914583 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:09:00 +0100 914583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=875470&cid=t_147548_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fbook-at-aarp-covers-crossword-puzzles.html Caregivers and seniors, would you like to have some fun? Here is a puzzle to solve - Who is competitive, funny, "punny" and inventive? Answer: Crossword puzzle writers. At AARP Magazine.org you can read a review about an interesting book "Gridlock: Crossword Puzzles and the Mad Geniuses Who Create Them" by Matt Gaffney. Did you know that no more than one-sixth of the puzzle can be filled with black squares? Or that when the puzzle is turned upside down the pattern of black squares remains the same?It's all in the book along with the interesting psychology about the kind of puzzling people who write crossword puzzles. The stories about crossword authors as hypercompetitive and obsessive make them sound like "type A" personalities.The trivia behind the crosswords and the writers might help t... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=875470 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:51:00 +0100 875470