![]() In our review process, we identified 18 brain training programs. Identifying programs least likely to work Programs that train the brain to be more responsive using specific tasks and increasing levels of difficulties are thought to help rewire neural pathways according to the neuroplasticity principle. The program provides feedback about your progress. The program features audio and/or is visually interactive The program is recommended for your specific purpose – for example, healthy brain ageing, rehabilitation, learning and concentration Some features to look for in deciding whether a program is right for you include: Such computerised exercises are adaptive according to a person’s capability, continuously challenging and audio and/or visually interactive. Effective exercises are mostly designed on the principle of the brain’s capability to rewire and reconnect – the neuroplasticity principle. How to pick an effective programīrain training programs feature different exercises that particularly target specific cognitive domains such as memory, reasoning, speed of processing, and executive functions. However, such programs must be further validated using brain imaging methods to investigate their mechanism of action. Our findings indicate some computerised brain training programs are backed by evidence in their claim to assist in promoting healthy brain ageing. Two were rated at this level (Dakim and Lumosity). Programs in this category were supported by only one randomised controlled trial of moderate or poor design. Three programs were classified at this level (Cogmed, BrainAge 2 and My Brain Trainer). Programs in this category were supported by only one randomised controlled trial of high-quality design. Two brain training programs met these criteria (BrainHQ and Cognifit). Programs in this category had at least two well-designed randomised controlled trials, one of which was of high-quality design. This process included an examination of the quantity and quality of the clinical trial applied in each instance. We classified the seven computerised brain training programs into three categories according to the strength of the evidence supporting their claims of efficacy. Trials with a score greater than six are deemed high quality trials with scores between five and six are moderate quality and those with a score less than five are poor quality.Īn example of a brain training activity on BrainHQ. They were classified as being of high, moderate or poor quality as rated from one to ten on a checklist. ![]() Trials were regarded as “well designed” if they were randomised clinical trials with a control group. ![]() We selected studies that had been conducted in healthy adults, aged at least 50 years. Of these, only seven programs (less than 40%) had been assessed by peer-reviewed studies that reported formal outcome measures of the programs on specific cognitive domains such as memory, reasoning, processing speed and executive functions. We identified 18 computerised brain training programs available across the world that were marketed with scientific claims. ![]() To determine if particular brain training exercises are effective, it’s important to look at the scientific evidence behind these exercises and the purpose for which they are recommended (for example, to promote healthy brain ageing, or for dementia or other neurological diseases), and to understand the principle behind the design of such exercises. Less than 40% of programs come with evidence Healthy brain ageing is a broad term that focuses on sustaining cognitive function and capacity to function independently as we age. Overall, both programs provided reasonable clinical evidence to support healthy brain ageing. A picture of a well-known object appears in the lower left corner of the screen and the user has to find the name of this object spelled out in the letter grid. In another task, a letter grid appears in the centre of the screen. The user has to remember and reproduce its exact route. On its way, it lands on different clouds. In one of the tasks a hot-air balloon flies in the sky. To grow plants, the user has to match pictures after they appear briefly on screen, one after the other.Įxercises from Cognifit contain 21 different tasks. Other sets of exercises are visually engaging – for example, in one of the exercises the user is assumed to be a gardener.
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