“What makes the difference between effective brain building games and one that’s simply a waste of time?” That was my question 5 years ago.
My parents, who were turning 50 at the time and having trouble remembering where they placed day-to-day household items, have upon the recommendation of their friend, bought themselves a box of “brain games” that promises to improve memory. I was skeptical, to say the least. Why?
Do you know how to find effective brain fitness exercises?
For one, I was taught in school that mental degeneration is inevitable as a person ages and that there’s nothing anyone can do about it. This is because once a neuronal connection breaks down, a new one can no longer form past a certain age. The science seems solid. Afterall, their memory didn’t seem to improve after months of playing the games that cost them $800.
To prove my parents wrong and have them stop wasting time with the junk, I conducted what turns out to be a 6-month long research. Here’s what I found out…
Challenges, therefore, keep your brain young and alert.
- Contrary to traditional neurology, new scientific studies have found that human brain is, in fact, plastic till the day we die. This means it has the capacity to grow new neurons and generate new connections even if you’re a centenarian.
- When presented with a challenge, your brain, just like muscles, adapts and grows. Challenges, therefore, keep your brain young and alert. This finding, spurred the growth of an industry: brain fitness programs.
- However, not all games are created equal. Just as carrying a pencil will not develop your muscles, games that are not sufficiently challenging do not stimulate neuronal growth.
- Certain types of games, no matter its level of difficulty, is not as beneficial as others. The best way to improve brain functions is to engage in real-world activities such as learning a new language and exercising. Thus games that simulates real life problems are generally more beneficial in terms of keeping your brain youthful.
After finding out what I know now, I replaced their brain building games with the one by Posit Science. Click on the link to find out why.
Photo by kirstinmckee
