Do Brain Games Really Work to Boost Cognitive Fitness?

Experts weigh in on the scientifically proven strategies that will help you stay sharp.

You keep your body fit with physical activity, but don’t forget about your brain.

If you don’t use it, you’ll start to lose it.

So are they worth it?

She says natural signs of mental aging can often include weakening memory or hand-eye coordination.

Surprisingly, these changes start as early as your 20s.

Do Brain Games and Apps Have Benefits?

So far, studies have been mixed, with half finding positive results, the other half finding none.

(Curious and want to participate?Join their Brain Game study.)

Although the research isn’t conclusive, many experts believe that brain games offer at least indirect benefits.

So what should you try?

These familiar favorites will challenge your powers of logic, memory, and concentration.

Vernon and her colleagues usedBrainHQ, an online training program in their research.

Based on peer-reviewed studies, it includes multiple games that test six categories of cognitive skills.

“It’s the challenge, not just the activity, that’s the most important thing.”

And keep in mind that being challenged is more important than the activity itself, Seitz adds.

The best way to know if you’re being challenged?

That’s a real winning strategy.

Sanchez-Izquierdo M, Fernandez-Ballesteros R.Cognition in healthy aging.Int J Environ Res Public Health.

2021;18(3):962. doi:10.3390/ijerph18030962