Individuals of various age groups utilize brain games to enhance cognitive abilities and hinder the effects of aging on the brain. These games are supported by scientific research, which indicates that playing brain games over an extended period may enhance attention, memory, response time, logic skills, and overall cognitive function.
There are various brain games available, ranging from traditional pen-and-paper puzzles like Sudoku and crosswords to modern brain training apps. These games and activities can provide you with an entertaining way to exercise your brain while potentially enhancing your mental focus and overall cognitive fitness.
4 benefits of brain training games
Engaging in brain games goes beyond mere entertainment. It can enhance your cognitive flexibility and assist in regulating your thoughts. Discover four advantages of incorporating brain games and concentration exercises into your leisure activities:
1. Improve brain function
Research conducted on the cognitive training game Lumosity showed that individuals who played the game for 15 minutes every day for three weeks experienced enhancements in various cognitive abilities, including attention, processing speed, visual memory, and executive functions.
This study suggests that dedicating less than two hours per week to brain games can effectively improve memory and focus.
2. Strengthen memory
A recent study published in NEJM Evidence in 2022 revealed that individuals with mild memory issues experienced enhanced cognitive abilities and reduced brain shrinkage after engaging in crossword puzzles for eight weeks.
These findings indicate that crosswords may potentially serve as a viable treatment for individuals with memory problems, pending further research. Additionally, other games that involve recalling information from clues may provide similar benefits.
3. Reduce dementia risk
Research conducted at Cambridge University has revealed that engaging in brain games such as reading, playing checkers, and solving jigsaw puzzles can greatly decrease the risk of developing dementia.
These activities stimulate intricate mental patterns, effectively safeguarding against cognitive decline in the future.
4. Increase attention levels and logic skills
Research conducted on mathematics students at the university level revealed that engaging in play was more successful in facilitating learning and decision-making compared to traditional teaching methods.
The findings demonstrated that brain games can enhance individuals’ critical thinking abilities by encouraging them to anticipate future scenarios and assess potential consequences, enabling them to make more informed choices.
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1. Sudoku
Brain games such as Sudoku involve placing numbers strategically, relying on our ability to remember information in the short-term.
To successfully solve a Sudoku puzzle, one must anticipate the outcomes of each move, understanding that placing a 6 in one box necessitates placing an 8 in another and a 4 in yet another.
By engaging in this type of strategic thinking and planning, individuals can enhance their short-term memory and concentration abilities.
There are different ways to enjoy brain games like Sudoku. You have the option to play it online, through a mobile app, or by using pen and paper. You can find Sudoku puzzles in your newspaper or purchase a book that contains a collection of puzzles.
Another option is to download a free app on your phone or tablet. These puzzles come in different levels of difficulty, so it’s recommended to start with the easier ones if you’re new to the game. If you choose to play on paper, using a pencil is advisable.
2. Lumosity
Lumosity stands out as a well-known program designed to enhance brain function and promote mental fitness. By creating a free account, users have the opportunity to engage in three brain games each day.
Alternatively, they can opt for the subscription service which provides access to a wider range of activities. Regardless of the chosen option, individuals have the ability to monitor their progress and witness improvement over time.
According to a recent study, individuals who engaged in Lumosity’s brain games for a minimum of 15 minutes per day, seven days a week, for a span of three weeks, witnessed enhancements in their attention and motor speed.
Lumosity offers the option to access their brain games either through their website or by downloading the Lumosity app on both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Lumosity provides a meditation and mindfulness app known as Lumosity Mind.
3. Crosswords
Brain games, such as crosswords, are a timeless method of stimulating your mind. They not only help with verbal language skills but also exercise your memory and knowledge in various areas. There are numerous ways to engage in crossword puzzles, both online and offline.
If you receive a daily newspaper, chances are you’ll find a crossword there. Alternatively, you can find books of crosswords that cater to your skill level and interests. Additionally, there are plenty of options available for crossword puzzles online or through free or affordable apps. T
he AARP website even offers a daily crossword that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their membership status.
4. Elevate
The primary focus of Elevate’s games is on enhancing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and math.
You have the flexibility to personalize your training by selecting the specific areas you wish to concentrate on. Similar to other brain games, Elevate allows you to monitor and assess your progress, giving you insights into how your abilities are advancing.
To engage in Elevate’s ever-expanding collection of brain-training games, you will be required to install their app. These games are designed to have an educational essence, offering 35 and more options.
The app is available for free, with the option of in-app purchases, and has received numerous positive reviews with a five-star rating from tens of thousands of users on both iOS and Android platforms.
5. Peak
Peak is a mobile application that can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. It offers a variety of brain games that aim to improve different cognitive functions such as focus, memory, problem-solving, and mental agility.
If you are someone who enjoys competition, you can compare your performance with other users. The app is free to download and use, but by subscribing to a low-cost plan, you gain access to additional features.
6. Happy Neuron
Happy Neuron categorizes its games and activities into five important areas of the brain: memory, attention, language, executive functions, and visual/spatial skills.
Similar to Lumosity, it customizes the training to suit your needs, keeps track of your progress, and ensures that the games are backed by scientific research.
To access the site, you will need to pay a monthly subscription fee, and the simplified app version is currently only available for Android users.
However, Happy Neuron does provide a free trial option, allowing you to test out their approach and see if it suits your preferences.
7. Braingle
Braingle is a free website that boasts the largest collection of brain teasers in the world. With over 15,000 puzzles, games, and other mind-bending challenges, it offers a haven for brain game enthusiasts.
Additionally, Braingle provides an online community where like-minded individuals can connect and share their passion for brain teasers. For those looking to take their mental fitness to the next level, the website even allows users to create their own puzzles.
With a diverse range of offerings including optical illusions, codes and ciphers, and trivia quizzes, Braingle has something to stimulate every curious mind.
8. Queendom
Queendom offers a wide range of personality tests and surveys. Additionally, they provide an abundance of brain games and activities that focus on logic, verbal skills, spatial awareness, math puzzles, trivia quizzes, and aptitude tests.
These brain games are designed to help you exercise your brain and put it to the test. To access features like saving results and scores, you will need to create a free account. While some tests offer free snapshot results, there may be a fee for accessing full reports.
9. Brain Age Concentration Training
Brain Games Concentration Training is a comprehensive cognitive training program designed for the Nintendo 3DS console.
This innovative system offers a wide range of engaging games specifically created to enhance your concentration, memory, calculation abilities, and other important brain skills.
With its convenient portability and enjoyable challenges, Brain Games Concentration Training is a must-have for individuals seeking to improve their mental fitness.
While Brain Age is compatible with the Nintendo Wii U, it is important to note that it is not currently available for the Nintendo Switch, the latest gaming system from Nintendo.
10. My Brain Trainer
My Brain Trainer is an online platform that refers to itself as a virtual “brain gym.” While its design may not be as visually appealing as Lumosity and Happy Neuron, it offers a more affordable option.
In fact, a three-month subscription on My Brain Trainer costs the same as a single month on the other platforms. Additionally, opting for an annual subscription provides even greater savings.
Furthermore, users have the opportunity to try out a challenge for free before committing to a subscription.
On this website, you will find a wide range of brain games, puzzles, and various challenges that are specifically created to enhance your mental fitness.
For optimal results, the website suggests engaging in 10 minutes of brain training two times a day. Additionally, there is a fundamental training program available that promises to enhance your mental speed.
11. Wordle
Brain Games have gained immense popularity in early 2022, and The New York Times’ web-based puzzle game is no exception. With millions of users worldwide, this game offers a straightforward concept.
Players are given six attempts to guess a five-letter word. Wordle provides an enjoyable mental exercise with its combination of problem-solving challenges and user-friendly interface.
12. Brainwell
Brainwell is a brain training application that uses an advanced algorithm to create a customized workout plan that focuses on enhancing various cognitive skills such as memory and language.
Developed by neuroscientists, the app offers a range of brain games that are specifically designed to improve different aspects of brain function.
In addition to the enjoyable gameplay, Brainwell also provides valuable feedback on your performance, enabling you to identify areas where you can further enhance your cognitive abilities.
This app is available for download and offers a free trial period, after which you can choose to subscribe for $1.99 per month. By subscribing, you unlock additional features, including the ability to challenge and compete with friends and family members.
13. Chess
Brain games are popular forms of entertainment that have been featured in various forms of media such as books, movies, and TV shows. One such game is chess, a strategic game played by two players.
Chess not only challenges your ability to predict and evaluate risks but also has the potential to put you in a state of flow. It promotes divergent and creative thinking and can even enhance your memory skills.
Additionally, playing chess allows you to form connections with your opponents. You can choose to invest in a physical chess board to play with a partner or find online versions or apps to play with others.
If you’re looking to enhance your chess skills, there are also online courses available to help you improve.
14. Cognifit
CogniFit is an innovative healthcare company specializing in digital tools for measuring and improving cognitive abilities. The first step is to take a brain test that evaluates various aspects of cognitive well-being, such as concentration, hand-eye coordination, and memory.
This test helps identify individual strengths and weaknesses. Based on the test results, users receive a personalized brain training program. While there is a free version available, accessing more in-depth features requires a monthly premium subscription starting at $19.99.
Additionally, users can opt for specific cognitive tests at a cost of $49.99 each. The CogniFit platform is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
15. SET
Brain Games are a popular choice for those looking to exercise their cognitive skills. One such game is SET, a fast-paced card game that challenges players to identify patterns among the cards in the deck.
Each card features unique symbols that differ in number, color, shading, and shape. The objective of the game is to find sets of three cards that are either identical or different in terms of these attributes.
SET not only provides entertainment but also serves as a valuable tool for honing pattern recognition abilities, making quick decisions, and improving short-term memory.
It is worth noting that the game is not limited to digital platforms, as a physical card set can be purchased from well-known toy retailers. This allows players to enjoy the game in person with friends and loved ones.
16. Scrabble
Scrabble, a timeless word game, goes beyond simply testing your vocabulary skills. By strategically placing words on the board, you are able to exercise critical thinking, memory, and spatial reasoning.
Whether you engage in friendly matches with acquaintances on a physical board or compete against opponents online using a digital platform, Scrabble serves as an excellent tool for enhancing both your linguistic abilities and strategic thought process.
17. Portal
If you’re a fan of classic video games, Portal is a captivating game that combines puzzles and physics in a single-player experience.
In order to progress through the game, you’ll need to apply your spatial awareness, logical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills to navigate through different environments using portals.
This game can be accessed through the Steam network and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
It’s important to note that brain training is not just about playing games and solving puzzles. Engaging in social activities, pursuing creative hobbies, and even exercising can also contribute to the flexibility of your brain and enhance cognitive functioning. Discover what brings you joy and proves effective for your mental well-being.
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