Life With Chronic Conditions: Skip the Brain Games for Brain Health

Despite all the claims by Luminosity and other “brain training” games, the scientific evidence is just not there. In July 2017, the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH)  issued a statement saying the evidence that “brain games” can maintain and improve brain health is “weak to nonexistent. These games can be fun and engaging, but often, the claims made by companies touting the benefits of these games are exaggerated.”

In the last week, another study was released showing “Brain Game Doesn’t Offer Brain Gain,” which adds credence to the GCBH report. According to one of the neuroscientists connected with this newest study, Bobby Stojanoski, the best thing you can do to help your brain is to "Sleep better, exercise regularly, eat better, education is great -- that's the sort of thing we should be focused on. If you're looking to improve your cognitive self, instead of playing a video game or playing a brain training test for an hour, go for a walk, go for a run, socialize with a friend. These are much better things for you."

So what about crossword puzzles? Sodku? If you like doing them, continue. If you dislike them but are doing it for brain health, skip it. Go learn something new instead. Learning a second language, an instrument or new technology skills on the computer are helpful and can make a difference

The GCBH  makes the following recommendations for Enhancing Brain Health: Find new ways to stimulate their brain and challenge the way they think (e.g., learning new skills, practicing tai-chi, taking photography classes, investigating their genealogy). It is also important to participate in mentally-stimulating activities that include social engagement and a purpose in life (e.g., volunteering as a companion and mentoring others in your community). In addition, people should consider physical activities (e.g., dancing or tennis) that involve both mental engagement and physical exercise to improve brain health. Choose an activity that you enjoy. Pick a skill or hobby that you want to learn and find a friend or companion to help you do it. Select activities that fit with your schedule and are easily accessible. 

Activities that combine motor and cognitive functions, such as learning new dance moves, Tai Chi or Qigong are more beneficial than just doing one type of activity alone. Interestingly “exergames” doubles the mental benefits above and beyond traditional exercise. Not familiar with Exergaming? It’s a technology driven physical activity, such as video game play that requires participants to be physically active or exercise in order to play the game. Examples of such activities include Dance Dance Revolution, WII fit, games for stationary bikes etc.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers “10 Ways to Love YourBrain” that are similar to CCBH but also recommend not smoking; wearing a helmet; and managing stress, anxiety.