Brain Games | Do They Really Make You Smarter?

Cognitive function is a broad term that refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension. These processes include thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. Key domains of cognitive function are memory, attention, executive functions (like planning and inhibition), and processing speed. The foundation of learning and cognitive improvement is a principle called neuroplasticity. This is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When you engage in a new and challenging activity, you are stimulating neural pathways. The more you use these pathways, the stronger they become. Brain games are designed to target specific cognitive domains by repeatedly challenging them, theoretically strengthening the underlying neural circuits. For example, a memory game activates the hippocampus, and consistent practice is thought to improve its efficiency, leading to better memory recall. This "use it or lose it" principle is central to the concept of cognitive training.

The primary scientific debate around brain games centers on the concept of "transfer." Transfer refers to the ability of a skill learned in one context to improve performance in a different context. There are two types. "Near transfer" is when practicing a task makes you better at very similar tasks. For example, getting good at one type of memory game may make you better at another memory game. Brain games reliably produce near transfer. The crucial question is about "far transfer," which is the improvement in broader, dissimilar, real-world abilities. Does playing Sudoku, a number puzzle, improve your ability to manage your personal finances or budget? Scientific evidence for far transfer is extremely limited. Most studies show that you get better at the specific game you are playing, but this improvement does not generalize to unrelated daily cognitive tasks.

No, there is a significant difference in the potential cognitive engagement offered by various games. Simple games that rely on speed and repetition, like many mobile app puzzles, tend to improve performance only on that specific task. On the other hand, complex strategy games that require long-range planning, adaptation, and working memory—such as chess or certain intricate video games—may offer more substantial cognitive benefits. These games engage multiple cognitive domains simultaneously, which is more akin to the challenges faced in real life. However, even with complex games, the evidence for far transfer remains a subject of ongoing research.

The scientific consensus is largely skeptical of the claims made by many commercial brain training companies. In 2014, a major statement signed by over 70 neuroscientists and cognitive psychologists concluded that there is no compelling scientific evidence that these games reduce or reverse cognitive decline. While some studies funded by the companies themselves show positive effects, independent research has often failed to replicate these findings. The general conclusion is that while these programs are not harmful, their benefits are often overstated and typically limited to near transfer effects—making you a better player of the game itself, not necessarily sharper in your daily life.

While brain games have limited effects, robust evidence points to several lifestyle factors that significantly support and enhance cognitive function. Physical exercise, particularly aerobic activity, is paramount. It increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new neurons. A nutrient-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, provides the essential vitamins and fats necessary for optimal brain health. Furthermore, quality sleep is critical for memory consolidation, the process where recent learned experiences are transformed into long-term memories. Lastly, engaging in novel, mentally stimulating activities—like learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or maintaining strong social connections—provides a rich, complex, and varied challenge to the brain that far exceeds what a simple puzzle game can offer.