🧠Activates Semantic Networks
The activation of word associations causes the interconnected activation of neurons in the brain where the related ideas are connected with each other and the memory retrieval is made easier by the spreading activation across the brain areas.
💪 Strengthens Working Memory
Keeping in mind the various meanings and associations of words during the game is a way of exercising the working memory, which is a very important skill for multitasking and problem-solving.
📚 Enhances Verbal Memory Skills
The practice of recalling words, along with the avoidance of repetition, boosts the recall of vocabulary, the speed of word retrieval, and verbal fluency, thus, improving the memory functions that are language-related.
🔄 Promotes Cognitive Flexibility
The practice of switching between related concepts like synonyms or antonyms develops the brain's ability to quickly switch over to different concepts, thus, making it more agile mentally.
🌱 Stimulates Neuroplasticity
The brain exercises that involve novel word associations are a way of challenging the brain and thus, new pathways for neural transmission are created, which in turn, leads to the growth of the brain's health and cognitive reserve.
🎯 Improves Focus and Attention
The activity that involves word connections and keeping up association chains requires and at the same time develops sustained attention and the ability to focus on the tasks for longer periods of time gets improved.
🛡️ Delays Cognitive Decline
The participation in word games on a regular basis serves to strengthen the neural connections and thus build the cognitive reserve, which in turn, may lead to a delay in memory decline related to aging and the onset of dementia.