Do Those Brain Trainers Work? No, Says A Report

A new report in the magazine Which? concludes that brain training games don't really work.

You’ve undoubtedly seen the ads for brain training games for portable games consoles. A group of experts put together by the consumer magazine Which?, and including eminent neuroscientists, discovered no scientific evidence to support a range of manufacturers’ claims that the games improve memory or can lower the risk of illnesses such as dementia. Instead, they said, doing a crossword or even surfing online could achieve the same results.

The editor of Which?, Martyn Hocking, said:

"If people enjoy using these games, then they should continue to do so – that’s a no-brainer. But if people are under the illusion that these devices are scientifically proven to keep their minds in shape, they need to think again."

Nintendo, which has heavily promoted the Brain Training games for the DS, said:

"Nintendo does not make any claims that Brain Training is scientifically proven to improve cognitive function. What we claim is the Brain Training series of games, like playing sudoku, are enjoyable and fun. These exercises can also help to keep the brain sharp."