Is there benefit from doing crosswords for alzheimers?

Alzheimer's: Depends on the stage of dementia. There is no cure and the further someone progresses, the less it will help.

Some: The more a person is mentally active, the slower the progression of neurodegenerative illnesess--just as physical activity slows the progression. But in truth the degree of slowing is modest at best. And as colleagues have noted, such slowing as might be gained itself decreases as the illness progresses. So: quality of life. If they love x-words, by all means.

Yes: There is emerging evidence from neuroplasticity researchers that PT/OT/ST including cognitive therapy / mental work might be associated with some slowing of the neurogenerative cascade and elevated neurotrophins.