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health & wellness
| October 6, 2025

Fun games to train your brain

Medically reviewed by Angelina Thompson, BSN RN

Group of senior people sitting at the table in community center club, playing board games.

Challenging your mind can have short- and long-term benefits for brain health, helping reduce your risk of dementia. Games or puzzles are a great, easy way to fit brain health into your daily routine. These should feel like a fun challenge, but not impossible to do! The point is to stay curious and have fun. Try these activities to challenge your mind:

 

  • Do a variety of puzzles to train different parts of your brain.
  • Learn new things and take on new challenges and projects.
  • Break out of your routine and do things differently than you normally do.

 

Keep reading for examples of some fun puzzles and riddles that will give your brain a workout. When you’re done, see the bottom of this blog to check your answers.

 

Brain game #1

 

Let’s have some fun and work your brain at the same time. These number/letter sets reflect common relationships. Can you solve these letter equations?

 

  • 7 D in a W
  • 26 L of the A
  • 7 W of the W
  • 100 C in a D
  • 18 H on a G C
  • 9 L of a C

 

Brain game #2

 

If you love a riddle that requires a little brain power, try solving this one.

 

A wealthy family lived in a big circular house. They had a maid, a butler, and a gardener. The parents were going to a party, so they tucked the younger kids into bed, said goodnight, and kissed the older kids goodnight. When the parents came home, all the kids were gone—they had been kidnapped. The authorities asked the butler, maid, and gardener what they were doing at the time of the kidnapping. The butler said he was organizing the library, the maid said she was dusting the corners, and the gardener said he was watering the plants.

 

Who’s lying and kidnapped the kids?

 

 

How can I improve my brainpower?

 

Besides keeping your brain active through games and puzzles, cultivating an active life that’s centered on socializing and exercise can build more brainpower.

 

Get moving for brainpower

 

Research shows that being active is linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a slower rate of cognitive decline.2 This may be because physical activity helps promote brain strength, which is the ability to function despite brain damage from Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day, most days of the week. Talk with your <Brand> senior primary care doctor or care team about your current level of activity and the best physical routine for your personal health.

 

Eat a brain-healthy diet

 

Following the MIND diet may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.1 It is a mix of two diets: the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. The MIND diet focuses on 10 brain-healthy food groups:

 

  • Leafy green veggies
  • Other vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Berries
  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Olive oil
  • Wine

 

Learn more about the 6 best foods for brain health and memory.

 

Socialize and stay connected

 

Building an active social life may delay the onset of dementia and lower your risk of depression. Consider these ideas to stay connected:

 

  • Volunteer for a good cause: Consider how your interests and skills could help others.
  • Join a club or take a class: Check out special interest clubs, as well as fitness
  • and education classes.
  • Keep in touch with friends. Make weekly dates with friends and call or email long-distance friends regularly.

 


Building brainpower is just as important as staying physically well. One fun way to keep your brain in good shape is to try brain games, puzzles, riddles, and more. The more you fit brain exercises into your daily routine, the more your brain will thank you by staying responsive.

 

Brain game answers:

 

Brain game #1:

  • 7 days in a week
  • 26 letters of the alphabet
  • 7 wonders of the world
  • 100 cents in a dollar
  • 18 holes on a golf course
  • 9 lives of a cat

 

Brain game #2: The maid – there are no corners in a circular house.

 

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plans. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

 

Sources:

 

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