Do Brain Training Games Work? Cognitive Engagement and Training
What big reviews and the ACTIVE trial found about brain training games and cognitive training, why gains often stay with the trained task, and the FTC action on a brain-training company.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Overview
Brain-training games promise a sharper memory and focus. The research is more cautious. This page covers what has been tested, in whom, and how far the benefits carried over to daily life. It is educational and not a recommendation to buy any product.Evidence labels: established recommendation, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence.
What the evidence shows
| Question | What the sources found | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Do people get better at the trained game? | A major review of studies cited by brain-training companies found extensive evidence of improvement on trained tasks, less on closely related tasks and little on distantly related tasks or everyday cognitive performance. It also found many studies had design or analysis shortcomings. [1] | Trained task: established; everyday life: insufficient evidence |
| Does structured training help older adults? | The ACTIVE trial (2,832 volunteers, mean age 73.6) used 10 training sessions plus boosters. At 10 years, reasoning and speed training still helped the trained abilities, but memory training did not maintain its effect; all three groups reported less difficulty with daily activities. [2] | Promising but limited |
| Pooled results | A 2020 meta-analysis of 215 randomized studies in healthy older adults and people with MCI found an overall small-to-moderate gain (g = 0.28), with benefits in trained and some untrained abilities. [3] The NIA describes a similar analysis and notes open questions about which training works and for how long. [4] | Promising but limited |
| Commercial apps | The NIA says there is not enough evidence that commercial computer-based brain-training applications have the same impact as the training in clinical trials. [4] | Insufficient evidence |
| People with MCI | The American Academy of Neurology says cognitive training may improve cognitive measures and that clinicians may recommend it (Level C). [5] | Promising but limited |
Note the difference between the structured, supervised programs tested in trials and games sold as apps. Results from one do not automatically apply to the other.
Advertising claims
The US Federal Trade Commission alleged that Lumosity's advertising claimed its training would improve performance on everyday tasks and delay age-related cognitive decline and protect against mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's, and the company paid a settlement. [6] Be wary of any game that promises to prevent dementia; the NIA advises checking with your doctor before trying any product that claims it. [4]Cognitive engagement more broadly
The NIA lists learning a new skill, staying involved in activities and volunteering among tips for dealing with forgetfulness. [7] We did not find trials showing that any particular hobby, such as crosswords or learning a language, prevents decline (proper evidence not found in the sources we could read). Enjoyable, social activities are still good for wellbeing; see brain-healthy habits and social connection and loneliness.Therapies in clinical care
Professionals use structured approaches for specific conditions. The NHS mentions cognitive stimulation therapy for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive rehabilitation for long COVID, both delivered by care teams. [8][9] See Therapies and mild cognitive impairment and dementia.Frequently asked questions
Do brain games improve memory?
They improve the practiced tasks; evidence for everyday memory is limited. [1]
Can brain training prevent dementia?
That has not been shown. The NIA says experts encourage healthy lifestyle choices while research continues. [4]
Which training had the best long-term results?
In ACTIVE, reasoning and speed training kept benefits for 10 years; memory training did not. [2]
Are brain-training apps worth it?
Evidence for commercial apps is not as strong as for trial programs. [4]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety and when to get help
Brain training is low risk, but it should not delay evaluation of memory problems. See when to get help. If a program is meant to treat a diagnosed condition, discuss it with your clinician. Supplements marketed alongside such programs are covered in nootropics and memory supplements.
References
- Simons DJ et al. Psychol Sci Public Interest 2016. Do "Brain-Training" Programs Work?. Read 2026-10-22.
- Rebok GW et al. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014. Ten-year effects of the ACTIVE cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. Read 2026-10-22.
- Psychol Aging 2020. Differential effects of cognitive training modules in healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging, Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know?. Read 2026-10-22.
- Petersen RC et al. Neurology 2018 (American Academy of Neurology). Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment. Read 2026-10-22.
- US Federal Trade Commission, Lumosity to Pay $2 Million to Settle FTC Deceptive Advertising Charges for Its "Brain Training" Program (Jan 2016). Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging, Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Alzheimer's disease. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID). Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.