Keeping Sharp

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Boost your brain in just minutes a day!” But can brain training games really sharpen your mind — or is it just clever marketing?

The answer is… it depends.

Research shows that some brain games can improve specific mental skills, like attention or reaction time — but only in the tasks you practice.¹ In other words, if you play a memory game, you might get better at that game, but it doesn’t always carry over into everyday memory or problem-solving.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Studies suggest that broader, more engaging forms of cognitive training — such as learning a language, playing an instrument, or solving real-world problems — are more likely to boost overall brain function.²

That’s why experts recommend “real-life” brain stimulation over screen-based games alone. Activities that challenge you to think in new ways, interact socially, and stay physically active offer much stronger protection against cognitive decline.³

So, are brain games a scam? No — but they’re only part of the picture. For lasting brain health, think bigger: variety, novelty, and engagement matter more than quick puzzles.

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Sources:

1. Simons, D. J., et al. (2016). Do “Brain Training” Programs Work?. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
2. Rebok, G. W., et al. (2014). Ten-year effects of the ACTIVE cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
3. Park, D. C., & Bischof, G. N. (2013). The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.