MHME 003: Do Brain Training Games Really Work?

From board games to puzzles and handheld games, we all look for ways to improve our memory and logic, response time and overall mental functioning. With the surge of brain training games that are conveniently accessible in our smartphones, it can be worth asking if they really hold any cognitive benefit. 

In today’s episode of the Memory Health Made Easy podcast, we’re going to explore and clarify some things about brain training games. We’ll talk about the eight-point checklist that can help us identify whether brain training is worth our time and money. In addition to that, I will also introduce the “narrow” and “broad” effects. 

To know more about the real-life benefits of brain training games and what you can expect from them, keep your ears open and make sure that you tune in to the show!

 

How Brain Training Games Work

Murky Waters Around the Cognitive Science of Online Games

• These games often have a cost involved.
• We rely on the validity of how well these exercises are going to translate to improved cognitive fitness.

Narrow & Broad Effects of Brain Training

• The exercises in these apps have a narrow effect; in other words, it doesn’t go wider to other cognitive skills.
• For example, if we practise attention, it’s not going to translate to insight, awareness and judgement.

• Broad effect is the desired effect that translates to other cognitive skills and in different domains of life.

Eight-Point Checklist: Determining Whether Brain Training Is Worth Your Money and Time

1. Is there an established evidence history?
2. Does it establish a personal baseline for you? 
3. Are they continually challenging?
4. Does it target a specific skill set?
5. Is it novel and engaging?
6. Has it got auditory and visual components?
7. Does it track your performance over time?
8. Does it give you feedback on areas to focus on?

Dual N-Back: The One Brain Exercise You Should Do

• Research findings are split about the effectiveness of these programmes.
• However, unlike many other training exercises, Dual N-Back, created by Susanne Jaeggi and her team in 2008, has been proven to transfer training results to other brain activities.
• A study done by John Hopkins University showed a 30% improvement in working memory using brain training. The optimal time to do the training is 1 to 2 hours before sleep.
• To maintain the cognitive gains, it’s essential to come back and dose up on this particular exercise over time.
• Make sure that at the core of what you’re doing, you’ve got good sound exposures to the Dual N-Back exercise. 

Can Brain Training Improve Memory?

• Science proves brain-training games can be an essential part of your toolkit in reducing the risk of memory loss.
• However, it is vital to look at the biological risk factors such as sleep, exercise, eating, social relationships and stress management, among others. 

 

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Grab a free copy of the Memory Health Toolkit today and start strengthening your brain building. You can reach me on my website and connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter. 

Disclaimer: The purpose of Memory Health Made Easy Podcast is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a doctor or qualified professional. This podcast is provided on understanding that it does not constitute medical or personal professional advice or services. Instead, we would encourage you to discuss your options with a health care provider who specializes in your particular needs.