According to the work of cognitive scientist Jeremy Grabbe, solving Sudoku puzzles uses mental processes in what is known as working memory. Experiment by Grabbe showed that routine Sudoku playing could improve working memory in older people.
In another study on short-term memory, which involved 19,000 individuals, puzzle takers over the age of 50 had better brain function and appeared to operate at a level eight years younger than typical for their chronological age.
Click on the puzzle to open a large printable version. Save it to your computer and print. The puzzle solution will be published here a week from today. To help your brain stay sharp as a whip, visit The Sentinel for a new puzzle every week.
More Sentinel Stories

PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .

I’ve always known my Arab culture is worth celebrating.
I heard it in Syrian tenor Sabah Fakhri’s powerful voice reverberating in my mom’s car on the way to piano lessons and soccer practice during my youth. I smelled it in the za’atar, Aleppo pepper, allspice, and cumin permeating the air in the family kitchen. Read more . . .
I heard it in Syrian tenor Sabah Fakhri’s powerful voice reverberating in my mom’s car on the way to piano lessons and soccer practice during my youth. I smelled it in the za’atar, Aleppo pepper, allspice, and cumin permeating the air in the family kitchen. Read more . . .
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally. Read more . . .
Photo Galleries
A couple of runners found themselves in the wrong race at this year's Illinois Marathon. Over 60 photos from the race that you should see.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks