Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl offers insights on effective brain exercises to combat memory loss and brain fog, emphasizing the importance of targeted word games over traditional puzzles.
Brain games, crosswords, and math puzzles are often touted as effective methods for sharpening memory. However, neurologists caution that these generic exercises may not effectively address the specific causes of mental fog. Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a professor of neurology at UCLA and co-founder of Cleopatra RX in Los Angeles, emphasizes that brain exercises must target the specific mental functions that are impaired.
“You can’t just do random cognitive exercises,” Voskuhl stated during an interview with Fox News Digital at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit in New York City in September. “They’ve got to fit the problem.”
The primary issue, according to Voskuhl, is verbal memory. She explains that engaging in mathematical exercises will not provide the necessary benefits. “You need an exercise that will help you with words,” she said.
Mental fog, particularly the type triggered by hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, affects specific areas of the brain. When estrogen levels decline, overall intelligence and basic logic remain intact. However, the brain experiences challenges in two main areas: verbal memory—specifically recalling names and words—and processing speed, which refers to the ability to think quickly under pressure.
Games such as Sudoku and other number puzzles primarily enhance logic and math skills, which may not address difficulties with word recall. “It’s not a global problem with the brain,” Voskuhl noted. “It’s not global brain atrophy, but there are some regions on MRIs and research studies that show that the hippocampus, the memory area, will have some atrophies and functional connection issues.”
To understand why word-based exercises may be beneficial, it is important to differentiate between two stages of memory: retrieval and encoding. Brain fog typically affects retrieval, meaning that while the word or name is securely stored in memory, the brain’s ability to access it is impaired.
To effectively combat brain fog, Voskuhl suggests that exercises should focus on two key aspects: finding words and working quickly. “It’s basically processing speed,” she explained. “So you need an exercise that is going to be something that makes you rush, makes you do it quickly.”
Instead of relying on generic puzzle apps, Voskuhl recommends individuals pay attention to their daily challenges and select games that correspond to those difficulties. “People know themselves,” she said. “They know what they are bad at or what they used to be good at and now they’re not as good at. Once you know those things, you should think about what kind of games to play. You can play around with different games and see if it pushes you.”
By focusing on targeted exercises that enhance verbal memory and processing speed, individuals can more effectively combat the effects of brain fog and improve their cognitive function.
According to Fox News, Voskuhl’s insights highlight the importance of personalized approaches to brain health, particularly during midlife hormonal transitions.