75-year-old grandfather shares his surprising brain tricks to outsmart dementia—Could these “fun tests” work for you?
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At The GrayVine, we love a good story about someone taking charge of their own well-being—especially when it comes with a dash of fun and a sprinkle of wisdom.
Meet Ernesto Suárez, a 75-year-old grandfather from El Salvador who’s become a bit of an internet sensation, thanks to his unique approach to keeping his mind razor-sharp.
His secret? Turning everyday brain challenges into a game, and making mental fitness as routine as his morning coffee.
A Smart Grandfather and His Brainy Routine
It all started when Ernesto’s granddaughter, Alexia Torres, posted a video of him hunched over a booklet at the dining room table.
Was he prepping for a big exam? Not exactly. Ernesto was studying for the DMV test—not because he needed to, but because he wanted to.
“I studied every day to challenge myself to pass it even though I probably won’t ever use it,” he chuckled. For Ernesto, the test was less about driving and more about keeping his neurons firing.
But the DMV isn’t his only mental playground. Ernesto is a self-proclaimed puzzle enthusiast, spending his days tackling crossword puzzles, devouring newspapers, and getting lost in the pages of biographies and classic novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude and Don Quijote de La Mancha.
His family teases him about his “tests,” but Ernesto knows he’s onto something. “I like to keep my brain busy. It keeps me sharp,” he says.
The Science Behind Staying Sharp
Ernesto’s approach isn’t just charming—it’s backed by science. Dr. Dylan Wint, an Alzheimer’s expert at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, confirms that “maintaining high levels of cognitive activity delays the onset of dementia.”
In other words, the more you challenge your brain, the better your chances of keeping it healthy as you age.
Source: @alexiatorres555 / Tiktok.
But not all brain games are created equal. Dr. Wint suggests that the real magic happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you breeze through easy Sudoku puzzles, it’s time to level up.
If you’re a crossword whiz, try mixing in some logic games or math quizzes. The key is variety—engaging different parts of your brain keeps things fresh and effective.
Also read: 4 in 10 people may develop dementia after 55–Here’s how you can lower your risk.
A Family Affair
Ernesto’s mental fitness isn’t a solo act. His wife, who co-founded their beloved Los Angeles bakery, La Usuluteca, is right there with him, reading, puzzling, and helping with the family business.
Even in retirement, the couple stays busy, lending a hand with accounting and keeping their minds engaged. “We want him to be as healthy as possible,” Alexia says. “So whatever helps, we support.”
Beyond Brain Teasers: The Full Picture of Brain Health
While puzzles and reading are fantastic, Dr. Wint reminds us that a holistic approach is best. Here are some additional ways to keep your mind in top shape:
When Do Brain Changes Begin?
It’s never too early—or too late—to start caring for your brain. Changes that can lead to dementia often begin between ages 50 and 60, with symptoms typically appearing in the 70s.
But Alzheimer’s has been diagnosed in people as young as 19, so every year counts.
Related stories:
What’s your favorite way to keep your mind sharp? Do you have a daily brain game, a book you can’t put down, or a family tradition that keeps you thinking? Have you noticed a difference since starting a new mental routine? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below!
Meet Ernesto Suárez, a 75-year-old grandfather from El Salvador who’s become a bit of an internet sensation, thanks to his unique approach to keeping his mind razor-sharp.
His secret? Turning everyday brain challenges into a game, and making mental fitness as routine as his morning coffee.
A Smart Grandfather and His Brainy Routine
It all started when Ernesto’s granddaughter, Alexia Torres, posted a video of him hunched over a booklet at the dining room table.
Was he prepping for a big exam? Not exactly. Ernesto was studying for the DMV test—not because he needed to, but because he wanted to.
“I studied every day to challenge myself to pass it even though I probably won’t ever use it,” he chuckled. For Ernesto, the test was less about driving and more about keeping his neurons firing.
But the DMV isn’t his only mental playground. Ernesto is a self-proclaimed puzzle enthusiast, spending his days tackling crossword puzzles, devouring newspapers, and getting lost in the pages of biographies and classic novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude and Don Quijote de La Mancha.
A 75-year-old grandfather, Ernesto Suárez, keeps his mind sharp and tries to delay signs of dementia by regularly doing activities like reading, taking practice tests, and playing crossword puzzles for fun. Image source: @alexiatorres555 / Tiktok.
His family teases him about his “tests,” but Ernesto knows he’s onto something. “I like to keep my brain busy. It keeps me sharp,” he says.
The Science Behind Staying Sharp
Ernesto’s approach isn’t just charming—it’s backed by science. Dr. Dylan Wint, an Alzheimer’s expert at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, confirms that “maintaining high levels of cognitive activity delays the onset of dementia.”
In other words, the more you challenge your brain, the better your chances of keeping it healthy as you age.
Source: @alexiatorres555 / Tiktok.
But not all brain games are created equal. Dr. Wint suggests that the real magic happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you breeze through easy Sudoku puzzles, it’s time to level up.
If you’re a crossword whiz, try mixing in some logic games or math quizzes. The key is variety—engaging different parts of your brain keeps things fresh and effective.
Also read: 4 in 10 people may develop dementia after 55–Here’s how you can lower your risk.
A Family Affair
Ernesto’s mental fitness isn’t a solo act. His wife, who co-founded their beloved Los Angeles bakery, La Usuluteca, is right there with him, reading, puzzling, and helping with the family business.
Even in retirement, the couple stays busy, lending a hand with accounting and keeping their minds engaged. “We want him to be as healthy as possible,” Alexia says. “So whatever helps, we support.”
Beyond Brain Teasers: The Full Picture of Brain Health
While puzzles and reading are fantastic, Dr. Wint reminds us that a holistic approach is best. Here are some additional ways to keep your mind in top shape:
- Eat a brain-healthy diet: Think Mediterranean—lots of leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish, and olive oil.
- Stay socially engaged: Regular chats with friends, family dinners, or even volunteering can work wonders.
- Prioritize sleep: Quality rest is essential for memory and cognitive function.
- Manage chronic conditions: Keep diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues under control.
- Move your body: Daily walks or gentle exercise help both mind and body.
When Do Brain Changes Begin?
It’s never too early—or too late—to start caring for your brain. Changes that can lead to dementia often begin between ages 50 and 60, with symptoms typically appearing in the 70s.
But Alzheimer’s has been diagnosed in people as young as 19, so every year counts.
Related stories:
- Using tech could be the brain boost older adults didn’t see coming
- This everyday speech habit might signal early Alzheimer’s–Are you at risk?
What’s your favorite way to keep your mind sharp? Do you have a daily brain game, a book you can’t put down, or a family tradition that keeps you thinking? Have you noticed a difference since starting a new mental routine? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below!
