What Doesn’t Work: Brain Training Computer Games

Websites and computer games that promise they can help train your brain and boost your mental capacity are everywhere. Games like Nintendo Brain Age are wildly popular and have sold millions of copies. They are typically promoted as entertainment only, and don’t make any direct claims about your mental fitness. But the implication is clear – plays these games and you’ll increase your brain fitness.

Other programs like CogniFit actually promise “scientifically validated online brain training programs” that will “improve your well being and slow down cognitive decline.” A similar program, MindWeavers, offers “PC software to improve brain health, language development, and hearing.”

But not surprisingly, it turns out that these games and programs likely don’t make any difference in your mental power. A recent study by the journal Nature found no conclusive evidence that brain training works. They ran a six-week study with 11,430 participants and had them us an online website that had brain training games just like the commercially available ones in the market. They found that while people got better the specific games, these improvements did not transfer to improved ability in any other tasks. In other words, they got much better at each specific game, but they were no faster at learning a new game.

Naturally, the makers of these programs disagree. They argue that the testing was too brief and unfocused. Study participants each completed about 24 ten minute sessions. David Moore from MindWeavers and Jody Peake from CogniFit both say they are not surprised that researchers found no cognitive improvements. They say that participants did not put in enough highly concentrated effort, and that no one should expect results after just a few hours. And even the study’s leader, Adrian Owen, acknowledges that more research may be needed to confirm his initial findings.

What Does Work: Physical Exercise

The effectiveness of games and programs is questionable, so where does this leave us? Well, one thing you can do is exercise. Barbara Strauch, author of The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain, says that brain research across the board – from humans to rats – has found that vigorous exercise clearly improves cognitive function. Multiple studies have found that the brain – just like your other “muscles” – needs and thrives on oxygen. Getting a good workout and exercising your cardiovascular system gets you blood pumping throughout your entire body, including your brain.

So, want to improve your mental fitness? The most proven approach is to work on your physical fitness!