Cognitive Wellness Resources
A curated collection of articles and guides on the benefits of puzzles, conversation, reminiscence, word games, and mazes for adults - especially those living with dementia and other cognitive changes.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
These resources reflect the same principles behind our puzzles, conversation tools, and activity books at Anchor.[2][8][1]
Can a puzzle a day keep dementia at bay? – Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s Cognitive Vitality blog on how puzzles and word games relate to cognitive aging, dementia onset, and overall brain health.[1]
o This aligns with our puzzle and activity designs, which offer manageable, repeatable brain engagement as part of a broader wellness routine.[8][1]
Jigsaw puzzling and cognitive abilities – Research article showing that jigsaw puzzles tap multiple visuospatial abilities and may support cognitive aging.[9]
o Our Level 1–3 puzzles are created to tap these same visuospatial skills at different difficulty levels, so adults can stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.[10][11][9]
The surprising benefits of puzzles for seniors – Overview of how puzzles can support memory, problem-solving, mood, and relaxation in older adults.[2]
o This is why we use calming, adult-focused imagery and piece counts that support success, not stress, for older adults.[10][2]
9 benefits of puzzles for older adults and dementia – Explains how puzzling can reduce stress, improve mood, support neuroplasticity, and encourage social interaction.[3]
o Our puzzles are designed for shared use - between loved ones, caregivers, and residents—to capture both the cognitive and social advantages highlighted here.[3][8][10]
Best types of puzzles for seniors with dementia – Practical breakdown of puzzle types (including jigsaws and word puzzles) and how they promote mental fitness and reduce anxiety.[6]
o Our level system and adult imagery echo these recommendations, helping you choose puzzles that feel both soothing and mentally engaging.[11][6][10]
The benefits of reminiscence therapy – How sharing memories from the past can reduce stress and agitation, boost confidence, and combat isolation in people living with dementia.[4]
o Our conversation and reminiscence tools are built around these same goals: offering gentle prompts that invite stories without putting people on the spot.[4][8]
Benefits of reminiscence therapy – Another look at how talking about meaningful memories can lift mood, reduce boredom and depression, and preserve family stories.[12]
o This is exactly why we design conversation prompts and activities that feel like real-life topics, helping families and care teams access positive memories together.[8][12]
These articles reflect why we prioritize conversation and story-based activities in our collections—they support emotional connection as much as cognitive wellness.[12][4]
Word Searches, Word Games, and Mazes
Can a puzzle a day keep dementia at bay? (word and number puzzles) – Highlights research showing that regular word/number puzzles are associated with better performance across multiple cognitive domains and delayed dementia onset.[1]
o Our word search and maze activity books are designed to offer that same kind of gentle, regular “brain workout” in a more accessible, adult-focused format.[13][1]
· Games, puzzles, and reading can slow cognitive decline – Study summary showing that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who engage in word games and hobbies have better memory, attention, and processing speed.[14]
o Incorporating our word-based and visual activities into daily routines is one practical way to add these kinds of stimulating hobbies to someone’s day.[13][14]
Love word games? Here’s why they boost your brain – Explains how word puzzles support memory, mental agility, stress relief, and may slow cognitive aging.[5]
o Our word-focused activity books leverage these benefits while keeping layouts simple and non-intimidating for adults with cognitive changes.[5][13]
Benefits of word puzzles for adult learners – Describes how word searches support short-term memory, visual tracking, vocabulary, and confidence through low-pressure practice.[7]
o We use that same “low-pressure practice” approach in our word search designs, so adults can succeed even if reading or attention has changed.[7][13]
Best puzzles for dementia patients (including word games) – Overview of jigsaws, customized puzzles, word games, and how they engage different parts of the brain.[15]
o Our mix of jigsaw-style puzzles and word-based activities is meant to give caregivers a toolkit that targets several cognitive skills while still honoring adulthood.[15][10][13]
Maze and logic-style puzzles – Resource outlining how mazes and other structured puzzles can support concentration, planning, and fine motor skills in seniors with cognitive changes.[6]
o Our maze pages follow similar principles, using clear paths and simplified layouts to support focus and planning without unnecessary frustration.[6][13]
These external resources are for educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or care team about what’s best for your situation.[14][1]
Anchor’s products are designed to put this research into everyday practice - through puzzles, conversations, and activities that feel respectful, doable, and genuinely connecting.
1. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/can-a-puzzle-a-day-keep-dementia-at-bay
2. https://wesleychoice.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-puzzles-for-seniors/
3. https://christiescare.com/benefits-of-puzzles-for-older-adults-dementia/
4. https://cobhamcare.co.uk/news/2019/03/the-benefits-of-reminiscence-therapy/
5. https://stjosephshealth.org/healthy-you/love-word-games-heres-why-they-boost-your-brain-health/
6. https://americareusa.net/blog/best-types-of-puzzles-for-seniors-with-dementia/
7. https://www.lifebeyondhighschool.com/blog/word-puzzle-benefits-for-adult-learners
8. https://www.anchorwellness.online
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6174231/
10. https://www.anchorwellness.online/products/anchor-puzzles-level-2-24-piece-puzzle-cognitive-activity-for-seniors-with-alzheimer-s-dementia
11. https://relish-life.com/blogs/articles/best-puzzles-for-dementia
12. https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/benefits-reminiscence-therapy/
13. https://www.anchorwellness.online/pages/activity-books
14. https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2024/09/10/games-puzzles-and-reading-can-slow-cognitive-decline-in-the-elderly-even-in-those-with-mild-cognitive-impairment/
15. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/puzzles-for-dementia-patients