As people age, so does the concern about cognitive decline and dementia. With no absolute cure for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, efforts to prevent it have become a critical public health priority. Perhaps one of the most widespread perceptions among wellness communities and social circles is that doing puzzles—whether Sudoku, crosswords, or jigsaw—will safeguard the brain against cognitive loss. But is there any science to support this brain-bolstering hype? Can a daily puzzle really help prevent dementia?

Based on the National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan, most adults between the ages of 50 and 64 are concerned about getting dementia. Nonetheless, only 5% mentioned that they had talked with their doctors about taking preventive measures to lower this risk. Instead, most used brain teasers or vitamins in the hope of protecting their minds.

Although large health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Global Council on Brain Health have dispelled the efficacy of supplements in preventing dementia, mentally stimulating activities—such as puzzles—continue to enjoy increasing support in scientific literature, albeit with qualifications.

A large UK observational study, which is part of the online PROTECT study of brain aging, used data from more than 19,000 healthy adults aged between 50 and 93. Participants who participated in word or number puzzles regularly had better cognitive function in various domains, including spatial working memory, verbal reasoning, attention, and reaction time.

Notably, various puzzles appeared to challenge different areas of the brain. Puzzles with words were correlated with enhanced grammatical thinking, whereas puzzles involving numbers such as Sudoku were connected with enhancement of executive abilities such as planning and organization.

But the biggest lesson learned wasn't which puzzle was superior—it was how often people did these cognitively challenging activities. People who solved puzzles at least monthly had improved cognitive scores all around compared to those who never did.

Correlation vs. Causation: What's Reducing Dementia Risk?

Even with these encouraging correlations, specialists warn that cause-and-effect conclusions should not be drawn directly. Observational studies such as PROTECT cannot say whether puzzle-solving enhances thought or if individuals with more robust brain powers are inherently inclined to such pursuits.

Yet another limitation is that most studies have not yet separated out lifelong puzzle enthusiasts from those who started solving them later in life. It becomes challenging to determine long-term impacts of puzzle work on dementia onset individually.

The Bronx Aging Study, a 20-year longitudinal study, discovered that older adults who consistently worked on crossword puzzles postponed the onset of dementia by an average of 2.54 years. Although not a guarantee against cognitive decline, this postponement is significant and supports the theory that cognitively stimulating activities can contribute to what's called "cognitive reserve"—the brain's capacity to deal with or compensate for damage.

Role of Brain Puzzles in Preventing Dementia

So, then, can puzzles prevent dementia? Not exactly. But can they slow down cognitive decline? Maybe. And unlike supplements, puzzles pose no health risk, so they are a safe and possibly useful part of a larger brain health plan.

As Dr. Teresa Gomes-Osman cited in the 2020 Lancet Commission Report on Dementia Prevention, lifestyle factors that can be changed—like education, exercise, treating depression, limiting air pollution exposure, and others—combined explain as much as 40% of dementia cases. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle-solving, is a perfect fit on the "cognitive reserve" side of this equation.

Which Puzzles Work Best To Reduce Dementia Risk?

Sudoku

Excellent for building numerical reasoning, Sudoku exercises the mind in logical reasoning, pattern identification, and problem-solving. Its deceptively simple format hides the sophisticated cognitive stimulation it provides.

Riddles

These exercise critical thinking, recall of memory, and lateral thinking. Riddles also hone verbal abilities and understanding in everyday applications.

Word Search

This tried-and-tested puzzle aids in better vocabulary, concentration, and observation. It enhances the brain's liaison with language—a fundamental thinking function during aging.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Fun and healing, jigsaws engage both the visual and memory parts of the brain. The coordination involved assists with motor functions and spatial understanding, and they can also be an excellent social activity.

Ways Puzzles Help Keep your Brain Healthy

Puzzles must be viewed as part of the brain-health puzzle, but only one piece. Puzzles work as part of a multi-pronged strategy to prevent dementia that also includes:

Physical exercise: Exercise maintains neuroplasticity and circulation to the brain.

Social engagement: Solitude is a recognized risk factor; remaining socially engaged maintains emotional and mental well-being.

Balanced nutrition: A Mediterranean-type diet with lots of leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fat supports brain function.

Medical management: Treating hearing loss, hypertension, and diabetes is crucial for brain health.

While we’re still a long way from declaring puzzles as the magic bullet against dementia, research continues to reinforce the value of mental activity in supporting brain health. Puzzles challenge the brain, offer therapeutic value, and—when combined with a healthy lifestyle—can be an enjoyable and effective part of cognitive aging.

So the next time you grab a crossword or open up a Sudoku grid, you may be doing your brain a long-term favor.

Japanese scientists are now testing a new drug that could possibly allow people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This could be a groundbreaking research which would offer hope for a natural alternative to dentures and implants.

So, What Really Is The Science Behind Tooth Regeneration?

Unlike reptiles and fish, who can regrow their teeth throughout their lives, human and most mammals are believed to grow only two sets of teeth. However, a research led by Katsu Takahashi, who is the head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, humans may also have dormant buds for a third set of teeth hidden beneath their gums.

Takahashi's team has therefore launched clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital in October, administering an experimental drug which was designed to activate these dormant tooth buds. The researchers are now hoping that this treatment will restore natural teeth and eliminate the need for prosthetics, which are often costly and invasive.

How This Drug Works?

The drug targets a protein called USAG-1, which has been shown to suppress tooth growth. By blocking this protein, researchers believe they can trigger the development of new teeth. Studies on mice and ferrets have already demonstrated successful tooth regeneration, with lab images confirming the growth of new teeth in these animals.

A study published last year by Takahashi’s team confirmed that their "antibody treatment in mice is effective for tooth regeneration and can be a breakthrough in treating tooth anomalies in humans." The ongoing clinical trials will determine whether this success can be replicated in humans.

Who Could Actually Benefit From It?

As of now, the research is currently focusing on people with congenital tooth loss. This means people who have a hereditary condition that affects approximately .1% of people. These people are born missing six or more permanent teeth, which can make chewing difficult for them. It can also impact their confidence. Many in Japan wear face masks during adolescence to hide the gaps in their mouths, explained Takahashi.

"This drug could be a game-changer for them," he said. The team aims to make the drug available to children with this condition by 2030, offering a revolutionary solution to those who struggle with missing teeth from an early age.

What Others Are Doing About It?

There is indeed a global race to regrow teeth. The research has also sparked global interested with Angray Kang, a dentistry professor at Queen Mary University of London nothing that only one other team worldwide is pursuing a similar goal, using antibodies.

"I would say that the Takahashi group is leading the way," Kang told AFP, emphasizing that the approach is "exciting and worth pursuing." He noted that a similar antibody drug is already being used to treat osteoporosis, adding credibility to the concept of targeting USAG-1 for tooth regeneration.

However, experts caution that while animal studies have been promising, human trials may present unforeseen challenges. Chengfei Zhang, a clinical professor in endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, called Takahashi’s method "innovative and full of potential" but warned that "outcomes observed in animals do not always directly translate to humans."

Beneath the surface of our skin is a thriving ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This microbiome plays an important role that keeps our skin youthful, resilient, and protects us from harmful pathogens. Studies also show that a well-balanced microbiome can promote wound healing, defend against infections, and even counteract the damaging effects of UV rays.

There has been a growing awareness of the skin microbiome and so many skincare companies are now introducing 'probiotics' for skin.

How Effective Are These?

The idea of using bacteria to improve skin health is not new. It has been there from as early as 1992, when scientists experimented with applying bacteria to treat acne and seborrhea, which is a skin condition that causes itching and flaking. The skincare industry today offers a wide range of probiotic-infused products, from cleansers and serums to moisturizers. All of them promise to rebalance the skin microbiome.

However, a closer look also reveals that many of these products do not actually contain live bacteria. Instead they rely on prebiotics, which are the nutrients that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, or postbiotics, which are the byproducts of bacteria that may benefit the skin.

The Challenge of Keeping Bacteria Alive

Why don’t most skincare products contain live probiotics? The answer lies in the difficulty of keeping bacteria alive throughout the manufacturing and storage process. Even if live bacteria make it into a product, there’s no guarantee they will survive long enough to take effect on the skin, where they must compete with millions of existing microbes.

Can Live Bacteria Treat Skin Conditions?

Despite the challenges, some researchers are testing whether live bacteria can treat specific skin conditions like eczema and acne. One promising approach focuses on the relationship between Staphylococcus aureus—a bacterium commonly found on the skin of eczema patients—and beneficial bacteria like Staphylococcus hominis, which can naturally fight off harmful microbes.

A 2021 clinical trial tested a cream containing live S. hominis on eczema patients. After one week, participants saw reduced S. aureus colonization and improvements in redness and itching. A larger phase two trial is now underway to evaluate long-term effectiveness.

Similarly, in a 2018 study, scientists performed microbiome transplants on eczema patients using Roseomonas mucosa bacteria from healthy skin. After 16 weeks, symptoms improved by over 50%.

Can Probiotics Prevent Skin Aging and Cancer?

Beyond treating skin conditions, probiotics may have broader benefits. In animal studies, a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to produce a compound that protects against UV-induced skin cancer. While human trials are needed, these findings suggest that probiotics could one day play a role in skin cancer prevention.

Some studies also suggest that prebiotics and postbiotics may improve overall skin health. Ingredients like inulin, found in some skincare products, create a favorable environment for beneficial microbes. Additionally, bacteria found in fermented dairy products may help boost ceramide production, which strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.

Colon cancer is commonaly linked to gastrointestinal problems—abdominal cramps, bloating, and stool blood. Not for 57-year-old Karen Kennerley, however, a special education teacher from Lancashire, England. None of these symptoms were experienced by her. All she felt was an abnormal and frequently downplayed symptom: tiredness.

Even though everyone around her considered her "fit and healthy," Karen's life was turned on its head when she received a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. The sole early warning sign? A sense of fatigue that drained her, one she had initially chalked up to the stress of her job. Today, as she receives treatment and battles for her life, her tale is a grim reminder to others regarding the silent threats of colon cancer.

Karen initially went to see her general practitioner (GP) in December 2022 because of ongoing fatigue. Being a hardworking teacher employed in a special educational needs (SEN) school, she felt that her tiredness was only due to extensive working hours. Her GP undertook standard blood tests, and these did not raise any initial alarm. Yet, as a precautionary measure, she was referred for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and a colonoscopy in January 2023.

In spite of assurances from doctors that she was healthy, Karen's colonoscopy showed a tumor in her large intestine. What was thought to be benign proved to be colon cancer, and she underwent extensive surgery in June 2023 to have the tumor and part of her intestine removed. She then had eight rounds of chemotherapy.

After her treatment, Karen anticipated returning to everyday life, convinced that she had won her struggle with cancer. Yet in March 2024, she was admitted to the hospital with suspected appendicitis. The truth was much more terrifying—her cancer had infected her ovaries, advancing to stage 4. She was told that the only treatment offered by the NHS was palliative chemotherapy, to prolong her life, not cure her.

"I was shattered, from being informed that I was benign, to being informed that I had stage three colon cancer, and then this," Karen explained. "There were just a lot of feelings—devastation, fear, disbelief."

Deciding to battle for her life, Karen sought out alternative therapies. She discovered Trans Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), a focused cancer treatment in Germany. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, TACE injects cancer-killing medications directly into the tumor, with the possibility of enhancing survival and minimizing side effects.

Karen had three cycles of TACE treatments, which cost £35,000 ($44,000 USD). Thankfully, her tumors started to reduce in size. Her finances were drained, however, and she is currently fundraising to pay for additional treatment.

"Treatment has been going well, but I need more of it. The stress and financial strain are overwhelming. I am unable to work, and my statutory sick pay will soon be gone," she said. "Stage 4 cancer patients feel abandoned. I wish to change this—not only for me, but for others battling this."

Importance of Early Detection in Colon Cancer

Karen's case brings to light an important problem: colon cancer usually comes with mild symptoms that may be ignored. Although frequent symptoms are:

• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits that persist
• Unintentional weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

Fatigue is a lesser-known but important symptom. In Karen's case, this initial symptom was first explained away as typical work-related fatigue. But it proved to be a sign of a serious underlying illness.

Medical professionals emphasize the need for regular screenings, particularly for people over 45, or earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer. A FIT test, which identifies occult blood in stool samples, is a quick and useful screening test.

Karen's situation is not rare. Colon cancer is the third most frequent cancer globally, both in men and women. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that early detection is essential in enhancing survival. Despite this, patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages because of imprecise or ignored symptoms.

Younger adults have also experienced an increase in colorectal cancer cases in recent years, leading researchers to explore possible causes like diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of identifying even non-digestive symptoms, including fatigue, anemia, and unexplained weakness.

Aside from her own struggle, Karen wishes to speak out on behalf of improved support mechanisms for stage 4 cancer patients. Most people in her situation feel abandoned by healthcare systems that prioritize curative treatments for early-stage cancers, leaving those with advanced diagnoses with few options.

"I don't want to fight for myself alone—I want to fight for all those who are going through stage 4 cancer. We deserve better than to be told to get ready for the end," she exclaimed.

Karen continues to fundraise to keep up with treatment and raise awareness about listening to your body. "I want people to realize that you don't need to have dramatic symptoms for it to be cancer. If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it—get checked."

Karen Kennerley's case serves as a testament to how cancer may manifest in unexplained manner. She is struggling for survival even as she is fighting to get awareness raised on cancer by appealing to others to place priority on their own health and going for a doctor even at slightest deviations from health.