Brain Training Games | Do They Actually Make You Smarter?

The core premise of brain training games rests on the principle of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Engaging in a new and challenging task stimulates neurons, strengthening synapses (the connections between them) and creating more efficient neural pathways. The central question regarding brain games is not whether they can improve performance on the game itself, but whether these improvements "transfer" to other, unrelated cognitive tasks in daily life. There are two types of transfer. "Near transfer" refers to improvements in tasks that are very similar to the trained one, which is a common and well-documented effect. For example, practicing a specific memory game will likely make you better at that game. However, the ultimate goal of brain training is "far transfer," where training on one task (like a game) enhances broader cognitive abilities such as general intelligence, memory, or executive functions in real-world situations. The scientific evidence for far transfer from commercial brain games is extremely limited and highly contested within the cognitive science community.

Numerous large-scale studies and meta-analyses have examined the effectiveness of commercial brain training games. The consensus is that while players become significantly better at the specific games they practice, this improvement does not reliably translate into generalized cognitive enhancement. A landmark study published in the journal *Nature* involving over 11,000 participants found no evidence that playing brain games improved general cognitive abilities more than simply browsing the internet. Subsequent reviews have supported this conclusion, stating that the claims made by many brain training companies are not substantiated by robust, independent scientific data. While some studies show minor effects on specific, closely related skills, the promise of a general boost in IQ or a significant delay in cognitive aging is not supported. Therefore, the conclusion is that these games are primarily effective at making you an expert in the game itself, not at making you broadly "smarter."

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that commercial brain training games can prevent or delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. While engaging in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline—a concept known as "cognitive reserve"—these activities are typically complex and varied. Current research does not support the idea that playing simple, repetitive games on a screen provides the same protective benefits as learning a new language or engaging in complex social interactions. Neurologists recommend a holistic approach to brain health, focusing on physical exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement, and lifelong learning rather than relying on specific games.

Yes, brain training can verifiably improve performance on the specific tasks being trained. This is the principle of "near transfer." If a game heavily targets working memory for sequences of numbers, your ability to recall sequences of numbers will likely improve. Similarly, games designed to increase reaction speed will make you faster at responding to the specific stimuli within that game. The limitation is that these improvements are narrow. For instance, getting better at a game that trains visual search skills does not mean you will become better at finding your keys in a cluttered room, as the real-world task involves different contexts and cognitive demands.

Scientific evidence strongly points to several lifestyle factors that are more effective than commercial brain games for maintaining and enhancing cognitive function. Regular physical exercise, particularly aerobic activity, is paramount; it increases blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the release of growth factors that support the health of neurons. Another powerful method is engaging in novel and complex learning experiences. This could be learning a musical instrument, acquiring a new language, or taking up a challenging hobby like programming or ballroom dancing. These activities challenge multiple cognitive systems simultaneously—including memory, attention, and coordination—and promote the development of robust neural networks. Furthermore, maintaining strong social ties and engaging in frequent social interaction has been shown to be highly protective for cognitive health throughout the lifespan. These real-world activities provide the complex, varied, and meaningful stimulation the brain needs to thrive.