These Alternatives Work
Why You Should Stop Brain Games – Science Says These Alternatives Work
Category :Science
March 29, 2026
3 min
“Brain” games: why they fail and what really works. © DR
Editorial assistant
Brain-training games promise to enhance our cognitive skills, but their effectiveness remains a controversial topic. What does research tell us about activities that actually benefit our brains? Discover the scientifically proven strategies to boost your mental functions and preserve your cognitive health.
The cognitive decline associated with aging worries many people, prompting them to look for ways to keep their brains in shape. In response to this concern, the brain-training industry has flourished, offering games that supposedly enhance our mental abilities. But do these apps truly live up to their promises? Cognitive neuroscience researchers have studied the real impact of various activities on brain function, revealing promising approaches for preserving mental agility.
Enhance cognitive skills
The limitations of traditional brain-training games
Brain-training games typically rely on exercises targeting specific cognitive skills, such as attention or working memory. For example, some games ask players to quickly identify letters or numbers according to changing rules. The goal is to train the brain’s executive functions, which are crucial for mental flexibility.
However, scientific studies struggle to demonstrate the effectiveness of these games beyond the tasks they train. In 2016, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission even fined Lumosity, one of the leaders in the market, $50 million for false advertising. The transfer of skills acquired in these games to real-life situations remains limited.
Nevertheless, some games not specifically designed for brain training show surprising positive effects:
Educational game alternatives
- Tetris improves mental rotation skills.
- Real-time strategy games enhance cognitive flexibility.
- Super Mario 64 increases the volume of the hippocampus, the brain’s memory hub.
Activities that truly benefit the brain
The Synapse Project study compared the impact of various activities on adults’ cognitive functions. The results were revealing: participants who engaged in new and stimulating activities showed significant improvements in memory, processing speed, and reasoning. The chosen tasks, such as digital photography or quilting, had several key characteristics:
Enhance cognitive skills
A significant intellectual challenge.
- Learning new skills.
- Ongoing engagement (15 hours per week for 14 weeks).
Brain scans revealed an increase in neuronal efficiency in these participants. In contrast, the groups involved in less stimulating activities (crossword puzzles, listening to music) showed no significant improvement.
How to effectively stimulate your brain every day
To leverage these findings, here are a few recommendations for maintaining your mental agility:
| Strategy | Example Application |
|---|---|
| Step outside your comfort zone | Learn a new language |
| Vary the types of challenges | Alternate between verbal and numeric activities |
| Practice regularly | Dedicate 30 minutes a day to a stimulating activity |
| Gradually increase the difficulty | Move to a higher level when you feel comfortable |
The key is to choose activities that push you out of your comfort zone. If you’re more into literature, try math-based games. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable with numbers, dive into verbal challenges. This approach engages the frontal and parietal lobes of your brain, enhancing its adaptability.
Brain performance insights
Beyond games, don’t forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking, managing your blood pressure, and staying physically active also contribute to preserving your cognitive functions. Combining these habits with mentally stimulating activities offers the best chance to maintain a healthy brain throughout life.
Instead of relying solely on brain-training apps, diversify your sources of cognitive stimulation. Your brain will thank you for these new challenges!
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