London: Want a healthy brain? Then do the crossword with a friend everyday, says an expert.
"The brain is not too different from the rest of your body. It needs to be nourished. Without adequate challenges, such as learning a new skill or taking up a hobby, our brain cells start to wither.
"These cells (known as neurons), become less active and fire fewer electrical signals, and their nutrient and oxygen supply is gradually reduced.
"Sitting down and tackling a Sudoku puzzle on your own isn't enough to halt brain atrophy. For these puzzles to keep the brain agile and ward off Alzheimer's, you have to do them with other people," the 'Daily Mail' quoted psychologist Jane G Goldman as saying.
She added: "We have evolved as social animals and completing tasks in groups stimulates and strengthens our neurons, boosting brain power and memory. Just as we keep our bodies in shape with aerobics classes, so we should keep our grey matter fighting fit by tackling puzzles in groups."
Prof Felicia Huppert, the Director of the Wellbeing Institute in Cambridge, believes there may be some science to this theory. "There are benefits to doing tasks collectively, as the social brain would also be engaged," she said.
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