Scientists at the University of Chicago (USA) have shown that solving puzzles between the ages of 2 and 4 helps develop spatial and mathematical skills that are useful in adult life. In particular, children who have played with puzzles have greater ability as they grow up to mentally transform shapes. And this ability is a key indicator of the greater tendency to study (and to obtain good marks) studies of science, technology, engineering and mathematics of the adult life. As published by Stella M. Rowley and her colleagues in the journal Developmental Science , the language about spatial concepts that parents use when playing with children may also influence the development of these cognitive skills.
On the other hand, a study published recently in the Archives of Neurology magazine revealed that people who do crossword puzzles and solve puzzles have less presence of beta-amyloid protein in their brains, the main component of amyloid plaque that accompanies the development of Alzheimer's disease.
