For most Americans, certain subtle aspects of cognitive aging (such as forgetting where you put your keys) may begin as early as our 20s or 30s, according to the American Psychological Association. An effective, fun way to help support cognition is to play brain-training games; gamified exercises that improve skill sets like verbal competency or memory. While often marketed to older adults, brain-training games can improve brain health at any age, so long as you find the right game for your skill level.
To help determine the right one for your skill set and interests, we’ve rounded up five fun brain-training games, and include the science behind why these games may help improve cognitive health.
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The Benefits of Brain-Training Games
To improve or maintain health, every part of the body should be exercised regularly, and the brain is no exception. “The brain needs to be exercised for best performance, and brain-training games provide that experience,” explains Julie Pilitis, M.D., the dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University.
Brain-training games allow users to practice different cognitive skill sets, such as focus or computational skills, that they might not utilize as much in everyday life. Because these games help train the brain through gamified modules on apps or websites, many people may find them to be more enjoyable than other mental exercises. Many of these types of games also allow users to see their progress, both against other users and their past performance.
Through exposing the brain to new challenges, these games help improve working memory and neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt to new experiences. They can also help improve language processing, the ability to understand concepts faster, motor speed and attention. It’s all about finding a game that feels challenging, but doable.
“Most often we hear about brain training games in the context of older adults who are noticing some memory impairments. However, I posit that they are good for everyone,” says Dr. Pilitis.
Additionally, for older adults, there is some evidence that brain-training games may help fend off dementia.
Brain-Training Games To Try
While the benefits are clear, not all brain-training games are created equal. When looking at different options, try those which utilize multiple skill sets, instead of just one. “The best brain games connect various parts of the brain simultaneously,” says David Hunter, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Dr. Pilitis adds that these games should be adjusted to accommodate a player’s age and cognitive abilities. Many popular brain-training apps and websites include features which auto-adjust the game difficulty, and users should look for games with this function.
To jumpstart your brain-training, here are five brain-healthy games that meet that criteria. All games offer a free version, though some have paid offers.
Sudoku
One of the most popular—and effective—brain-training games is sudoku, notes Dr. Hunter. In this Japanese puzzle game, players enter numbers into a 9×9 grid, careful not to repeat any numbers in individual rows, columns or 3×3 sections. Players must use the numbers one through nine at least one time in each section, column and row.
Unlike other brain-training games, sudoku improves multiple skills at once. “Most brain-training games focus on one cognitive skill, but sudoku focuses on multiple,” explains Dr. Hunter. “When you play sudoku, you are improving your attention, problem-solving skills and computational abilities.”
Sudoku can be played on paper or virtually. There are multiple websites and apps that allow users to play sudoku for free, with Easybrain offering a popular option on the web, Google Play store and Apple App store.
Lumosity
Lumosity offers users customized brain-training games on its website and app. Each day, it provides users with a new set of games that utilizes skills like memory, problem-solving, language, math and speed. As you use the app, Lumosity customizes the set of daily games to improve any weaknesses and cultivate a player’s cognitive strengths.
The website features over 40 custom-made games. Some games include Trouble Brewing, where players have to manage multiple coffee orders and cope with divided attention, and Pirate Passage, where players improve their planning skills as they find a route to buried treasure.
Lumosity offers a free subscription with access to limited games. Players can also opt into a paid subscription at any time, which provides more games and tools to monitor progress. The paid subscription is $11.99 a month or $59.99 for a year.
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Elevate
Elevate is an app with games to improve a variety of cognitive skills. Users can play games that can help improve their concentration, as well as their skills in math, reading, writing, speaking and vocabulary.
Each day, users choose between three to five games to play, with the app featuring over 40 games total. As users play more often, the games get more difficult, so users can continue to grow their skill set. Users can also track their progress against their past performance and other players.
After a free seven-day trial of all features, app users can choose between a free plan with limited games and a paid version with access to all games. The only paid option is an annual subscription which varies in price, depending on your location. The subscription renews automatically each year, unless auto-renew is turned off.
Briangle
To train your brain in an online community setting, consider Briangle. This free website includes puzzles, trivia sets and other games to exercise your cognitive abilities. The company claims to have the largest collection of brain-training games in the world, with over 15,000 games on its website.
Unlike other brain-training platforms, Briangle also includes a community feature where players can chat with each other and compete against other players. “For some people, the added benefit of a sense of community and social support means they’re more likely to stick to the game,” says Dr. Pilitisis.
Users can play games as a guest or create an account. Registration is free, with no paid options. Anyone over the age of 13 (or under the age of 13 with parental consent) can sign up for an account.
Duolingo
Duolingo has two brain-training games for users: its widely-known language learning app and its newer Duolingo Math. Both apps provide micro-lessons that help users develop real-world skills through gamified daily modules.
Whether users choose the original language learning app or the math one, Duolingo boasts that its apps don’t only train the brain, but provide users with a valuable skill: math or the ability to communicate in another language.
Both Duolingo Math and Duolingo Language Lesson have a free version. At the time of publication, Duolingo Math only has a free option while Duolingo Language Lesson offers a paid Super Duolingo option, which is available for $6.99 a month or $79.99 a year, depending on promotions running at time of purchase.
The Limitations of Brain-Training Games
While brain-training games can help improve brain health, they are not a cure-all. Each brain-training game practices specific task types, such as verbal memory or computational skills, so these games are more effective at improving specific skills, rather than cognitive function overall. A math-focused game, for example, is more likely to improve your calculation skills than verbal memory.
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There are other brain-training options that are equally effective. “There’s no evidence that [brain training games] are better or worse than other brain-healthy activities, like reading, writing and art,” notes Dr. Hunter.
Whether you choose a brain-training game or another mental exercise, the most effective one will be the one you can stick with. Both Dr. Hunter and Dr. Pilitsis recommend finding a game or other form of mental exercise that is fun and something you want to come back to.
Along with mental exercise, there are other brain-healthy habits to consider. Daily movement, getting enough sleep, social interactions and a well-rounded diet also impact cognitive functioning.
Brain training is an effective tool to help improve cognitive functioning, but it’s just that—a tool. To be brain healthy, consider adding brain-training games and other complementary practices and habits into your day-to-day routine.
