Do Brain Training Games Actually Work? What Science Says

In 2014, a group of 70 prominent neuroscientists signed an open letter warning consumers about the "exaggerated and misleading claims" made by brain training companies. Yet today, the brain training industry continues to thrive, with apps like Lumosity, Elevate, and Peak boasting millions of users worldwide.

So what's the truth? Can spending 15 minutes a day playing digital puzzles really make you smarter, improve your memory, or protect against cognitive decline? Let's dive into what decades of research actually tells us about brain training games.

What Brain Training Apps Claim

Brain training companies make bold promises. Their marketing often suggests that regular use of their games can:

• Improve overall intelligence and cognitive function
• Enhance memory in daily life
• Increase attention span and focus
• Slow cognitive aging and prevent dementia
• Boost academic and professional performance

These claims are incredibly appealing. Who wouldn't want a simple, fun way to become smarter? But the scientific reality is more nuanced.

What the Science Actually Shows

The research on brain training paints a complex picture. Here's what multiple large-scale studies have found:

"Time spent playing games is time not spent on other activities that might be more beneficial, such as exercising, socializing, or learning a new skill." - Dr. Daniel Simons, University of Illinois

The Transfer Problem

The central issue with brain training is something researchers call the "transfer problem." Yes, if you practice a specific task repeatedly, you'll get better at that task. This is basic learning. The question is whether that improvement transfers to other cognitive abilities or real-world tasks.

Near Transfer vs. Far Transfer

• Near transfer: Getting better at similar tasks (e.g., improving at one memory game helps with similar memory games). This typically does occur.
• Far transfer: Getting better at completely different tasks (e.g., playing memory games improves your ability to remember names at parties). This is much harder to achieve and rarely demonstrated.

Most brain training studies show near transfer but fail to demonstrate meaningful far transfer. In other words, you get better at the games themselves, but those improvements don't necessarily help you in your daily life.

What Actually Works for Cognitive Enhancement

If brain training games aren't the answer, what can actually improve your cognitive function? Research points to several evidence-based approaches:

Why Exercise Beats Brain Games

Multiple studies have shown that aerobic exercise produces more robust cognitive benefits than brain training. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes neuroplasticity, and triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - a protein that supports neuron growth and survival.

A 2017 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular aerobic exercise improved cognitive function across all ages, with the strongest effects on executive function and memory.

The Value of Learning New Skills

Learning a genuinely new and challenging skill - like a musical instrument, a new language, or a complex hobby - provides broader cognitive benefits than repetitive brain games. These activities engage multiple brain systems simultaneously and create new neural pathways.

The Verdict: Should You Use Brain Training Apps?

Brain training apps aren't necessarily harmful, but their benefits are likely overstated. Here's a balanced perspective:

Brain training games may be worth it if:

• You enjoy them as a form of entertainment
• They replace more passive activities like watching TV
• You have realistic expectations about the outcomes
• You're using them as part of a broader cognitive wellness routine

Brain training games probably won't:

• Make you significantly "smarter" in general
• Improve your performance at work or school
• Prevent dementia or cognitive decline
• Transfer to meaningful real-world cognitive improvements

"If you want to improve your brain function, the best evidence suggests you should exercise regularly, get enough sleep, maintain social connections, and challenge yourself to learn new things. Brain training games can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but they shouldn't be the centerpiece."

Conclusion

The brain training industry has capitalized on our desire for a quick fix to improve our minds. While these apps can be enjoyable and may offer some narrow benefits, the scientific evidence doesn't support their bold claims of broad cognitive enhancement.

If you're serious about maintaining and improving your cognitive health, focus on lifestyle factors: regular exercise, quality sleep, social connection, stress management, and engaging in genuinely challenging learning experiences. These approaches have far more scientific support than any brain training app.

That said, if you enjoy brain training games, there's no harm in playing them - just don't expect them to be a magic bullet for your intelligence. Think of them as mental entertainment, not mental medicine.