A Neurologist Says a 60-Second Word Game Beats Crosswords for Brain Fog

October 25, 2026 - 18:17

Crosswords and sudoku are popular ways to keep the mind sharp, but a neurologist argues they may not be the best tools for fighting brain fog. Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl says timed word games that specifically target verbal memory can do more for people dealing with foggy thinking than the puzzles many people reach for first.

The key is speed and recall, not just pattern matching. A short, timed exercise that asks you to retrieve words quickly can be done in about 60 seconds, making it easy to fit into a daily routine. According to Voskuhl, this kind of challenge pushes the brain to access verbal information under mild pressure, which is closer to how memory works in everyday conversation and decision making.

She points out that crosswords and sudoku rely heavily on recognition and logic. They can be engaging, but they do not always train the rapid recall that slips when brain fog sets in. Timed word games, by contrast, force the mind to search for and produce words on the spot, which exercises verbal memory directly.

The approach is simple. Set a short timer, pick a category, and name as many items as you can before time runs out. The brief burst of effort is meant to be repeated regularly rather than done for long stretches. Voskuhl suggests treating it like a quick daily drill, similar to a short physical workout for the brain.

She also notes that brain fog can have many causes, including stress, poor sleep, and underlying health conditions, so a word game is not a substitute for medical advice. Still, for people looking for a practical habit, a one-minute timed word challenge offers a focused alternative to the usual puzzle page.