“Brain training” is big business. According to Forbes, Americans spend $1.3 billion a year in brain-training games, hoping to boost their IQ or stave off memory loss. Popular services like Luminosity, Fit Brains, and BrainHQ all boast claims vaguely endorsed by “experts” in various neuroscience fields. But are their claims validated by empirical evidence? The consensus from many identifiable neuroscientists seems to be “no.” In an open letter, the Stanford Center on Longevity and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development issued a joint strong critique. They object to the claims made to consumers that computer-based brain-training games can reduce or reverse cognitive decline. Their open letter is signed by 70 signatories from a variety of neuroscience disciplines.
As findings accumulate, there doesn’t seem to be compelling evidence that digital brain games have any lasting effect on brain function. Central to this is the idea that while this sort of brain training can temporarily improve targeted skills, the games may not encompass a broad enough array of tasks necessary to acquire or improve a particular longstanding ability. Empirical data needs to support that gains persist and are reflected in real-world cognitive health in order for these claims to be credible.
So should you uninstall or delete all of your favorite brain training apps and games? Perhaps not. These games are indeed great fun, even if they aren’t likely to boost your cognitive health. The only downside may be that all that time spent on the games is time that you are not connecting with others, engaging in stimulating hobbies, reading, or being physically active. Physical activity has been proven to be particularly important for warding off memory loss, so get out there and exercise! Just 45 minutes of exercise three days per week can increase the volume of your brain. Combine that with a mental activity that will really challenge your entire brain network, like a new hobby. Learn to quilt, take up digital photography and Photoshop, acquire a foreign language, or pick whatever challenging new interest appeals to you. It will strengthen the connections between different parts of your brain – and think of all the fun you will have while doing it! If you have time left over, by all means, go back to the fun brain games on your iPad (but perhaps just for fun).
Credit for this blog piece goes to Lauren Silverman at NPR for her piece, Learning a New Skill Works Best To Keep Your Brain Sharp and to Michael Byrne for his article on Motherboard titled Neuroscientists Are Fed Up With the Brain Training Industry.