Brain Training: Can It Change Your DNA Destiny?

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There are all kinds of apps out there for helping you “train your brain“, but do they really deliver on their promises? Brain training is supposed to help you improve your memory, process information faster, and help your general thinking processes.  Consumers assume it will help stave off Alzheimer’s, dementia, and general memory loss as they age.  But is there evidence to back up those thoughts?

One of the most popular apps, “Luminosity“, was actually fined 2 million dollars in 2016 for deceptive advertising.  Studies that have been done showed no marked improvement between users of the app and the control group. Each group seemed to do equally well upon being re-tested with the same information.  Scientists credit this to the fact that all the participants had already done and seen the testing,thus their second try was better across the board.

In fact, most studies of the top “brain training” apps don’t support any changes in the brain’s ability to process information better or faster.  A study from Australia did find that there were 2 programs that did improve cognition by increasing neuroplasticity, that is, the forming of new connections and pathways in your brain.  But, good news: you don’t need a computer program to do this!

Any activity that is new to you can create the same effects in your brain, learning a musical instrument, travel, or even taking a novel route home can all create new connections and increase plasticity in your brain.  So if you have something you’ve been putting off on your bucket list, do it now and use the excuse that your brain needs it!

Do you use any brain training apps?  Do you think they improve your cognition?  Let me know on Facebook.