Jigsaw puzzles are known to activate multiple areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, and the parietal lobes.
The hippocampus is responsible for memory and spatial navigation, so working on jigsaw puzzles can help to improve memory recall and spatial awareness. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for attention, planning, and decision-making, so working on jigsaw puzzles can help to improve focus and problem-solving skills. The parietal lobes are responsible for processing visual information and spatial awareness, so working on jigsaw puzzles can help to improve visual perception and spatial reasoning.
Solving puzzles can have a positive effect on cognitive function, but it's not a direct correlation to increase IQ. IQ is a measure of general cognitive ability, and puzzles may help to improve specific skills and abilities such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and memory recall.
Puzzles can be beneficial for people with dementia as it can help to keep their minds active and engaged. It can help to improve memory recall, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, puzzles can provide a form of entertainment and mental stimulation, which can be beneficial for people with dementia who may experience boredom and isolation.
Puzzles can help with anxiety as it can provide a distraction and a form of mental stimulation. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve mood. Additionally, solving puzzles can help to improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for people with anxiety as it can help to redirect the mind away from negative thoughts and worries.