A new brainteaser app pops up on mobile apps stores every day, claiming to improve memory or boost I.Q. — but does it work? A growing body of research shows that playing certain video games can stimulate the mind, increase focus and concentration, and even prevent Alzheimer’s. But which ones are the best?
6 Games That Actually Improve Your Brainpower
Sudoku, the puzzle that uses numbers to fill in grids, is one of the most popular and effective brain games for people who have a short retentive memory. The game requires you to think logically, and plan ahead in order to place each number in a box. This kind of planning, along with a requirement to remember the locations of the numbers on each 9-space grid, will help to improve your mental health over time. You can find these puzzles in many dailies or on online apps and books.
The strategy-based game chess is a great way to exercise your brain, especially as you get more experienced. Studies show that chess results in improved short-term memory and better problem-solving skills. It also helps to develop strategic thinking, which is something that everyone can use in their everyday life.
It’s a beautiful, immersive puzzle game that will challenge your lateral thinking and critical thinking skills. It’s also a good way to practice your patience and help you build up your resilience. You can play this game on your smartphone, tablet or PC.
This popular video game is a fun and engaging way to exercise your mind. Its visuals are breathtaking and the challenges will keep you hooked for hours on end. It’s also a good way for players to practice their patience and think creatively.
The city-building simulation game Monument Valley is a great way to test your logical thinking, critical thinking and memory. This game is available on iOS and Android and has received thousands of five-star reviews.
There’s no doubt that playing video games is a great way to stay mentally healthy, but it’s important to choose the right games. You should try to play games that challenge both sides of your brain, and if possible, those that involve a lot of visuals or use math and logic. The left side of your brain is responsible for performing logic and mathematical tasks, while the right side handles more visual and intuitive tasks.
Several apps like Lumosity, Cognifit, Sharpbrains and BrainHQ offer free brain games daily–and more for those willing to pay for a subscription. These word, speed, number, math and problem-solving games often have time limits to escalate the challenge, and include cheerful bloops and bleeps to encourage you as you solve each puzzle. Although it’s not clear if these games lead to long-term cognitive improvement, they’re certainly engaging and fun. In fact, a study published in the journal PLOS One found that playing video games was associated with lower rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s in older adults.