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Crosswords are more than just a fun pastime—they are a proven way to boost brain function. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that engaging in crossword puzzles regularly can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, particularly in older adults.

A study by Columbia University also showed that solving crosswords may delay cognitive decline by up to 2.5 years in those at risk of dementia. The mental challenges of filling in grids, finding patterns, and recalling vocabulary stimulate the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and keeping the mind sharp and agile. Whether for relaxation or brain training, crosswords offer significant cognitive benefits at any age. Click here to get started

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The Roots of Crosswords: Early Word Games and Puzzles

Acrostics (Ancient Greece): Acrostic poems featured hidden messages, with the first letters of each line spelling out a word or phrase. This concept of filling in letters to reveal a hidden answer is a clear precursor to crosswords.
Word Squares (Roman Empire): The Sator Square, an ancient Latin word square found in Roman ruins, is an early example of a grid-based word puzzle. The square could be read the same way in all directions, showcasing an early form of wordplay and grid puzzles.
Doublets (19th Century): Invented by Lewis Carroll, doublets (also known as word ladders) involved changing one word into another by altering a single letter at each step. Carroll's playful approach to word puzzles influenced future developments in the genre.

Magic Squares (Medieval Period):These puzzles featured grids filled with numbers that added up to the same total in every direction. While focused on numerology, the grid-based format and pattern-solving aspects share similarities with crossword mechanics.
Crossword-Like Puzzles in 19th Century Magazines: Some Victorian-era publications featured word puzzles that asked readers to fill in words based on clues, much like modern crosswords. However, these puzzles lacked the interlocking grid pattern that defines today's crosswords.
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