I like puzzles and play different kinds. However, whenever someone relates one mental activity to another activity in terms of being beneficial, I seldom agree.
Of late it is very fashionable to try to link chess and poker (for various reasons) but I fail to see any benefit, though both are engrossing.
I heard something very funny last week. Quarterback Tom Brady had claimed that certain mental exercises helped with his decision making process on the field. I am sure Brady does numerous things which he feels helps him. However, the person discussing the matter was a psychologist who pointed out no matter what Brady did with his 'mental exercises' the key to his success was his god given ability to play more top flight games than anyone in history. More practice and experience, period, coupled with insane natural talent.