30-minute daily brain routine linked to modest cognitive gains in older adults
A 12-week, 30-minute daily routine combining reading aloud, handwriting, and simple math improved scores on the Mini-Montreal Cognitive Assessment from 12.73 to 13.26 out of 15 in 102 older adults with memory concerns; gains were mainly in memory recall and were larger for those living independently. The study notes limitations (no control group, small effect size) and calls for active-control future research. The routine is accessible, low-cost, and customizable via personal reading/writing topics to build cognitive resilience.