With a rise in the senior population, and the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions, retaining full cognitive function has never been more important. However, neurologists suggest that regular brain training exercises like crosswords and memory games can get tiring, which is where specialized brain training apps come in.
Not only do they help keep you mentally active, but regularly completing the numerous fun challenges can improve multiple brain processes, and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new cell connections, and retain older ones).
But which ones should you download? To simplify your quest, here are the best apps to help train your brain, and keep it sharp well into old age:
Table of Contents
1- Lumosity:
The ‘original’ brain training app first launched in 2005, Lumosity is by far the most downloaded with over 85 million users worldwide. The app focuses on strengthening 5 brain areas: memory, attention, speed, problem-solving, and flexibility through a selection of 50 user-friendly minigames.
At sign in, you must first complete a ‘fit test’ that uses 3 separate games to test memory, speed, and attention, based on which, the app provides customized daily brain games while adjusting level difficulty according to your performance. Results can also be compared with other users from the same age group.
Free to download
Monthly Subscription: $11.99 /1, 666 Rs.
Yearly Subscription: $59.99 /8, 340 Rs.
2- Peak:
Developed with the aid of scientists from leading universities worldwide, and rated one of the best Android apps for 2016 by Google, Peak features 40 original games focusing on the following areas:
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Coordination
- Mental agility
- Problem solving
- Emotional Control
- Creativity
With the help of a ‘personal trainer’ called Coach, the app helps you pinpoint the right cognitive function to work on at the right time. It also provides information on individual game and overall performance, which can be used for extra insight, to compare with other users, and compete with friends. You can also select specific ‘training days’ and set reminders for them.
Free to download
Monthly Subscription: $4.99 /690 Rs.
Yearly Subscription: $34.99 /4, 864 Rs.
3- CogniFit:
This app boasts brain training games in more than 20 cognitive functions, including the ones stated above. An additional benefit of the app is that it helps identify your risk of suffering from a mental condition according to your overall game results. This makes it useful in rehabilitation programs for conditions like dementia, ADHD, dyslexia, and insomnia.
Free to download
Monthly Subscription: $19.99/2, 779 Rs.
Yearly Subscription: $189.99/ 26, 414 Rs.
4- Fit Brains Trainer:
Fit Brains Trainer offers the greatest variety among brain training apps at 60 minigames and over 500 personalized training programs. In addition to cognitive improvement, the app also helps boost emotional intelligence in the following areas:
- Self-control
- Self-awareness
- Social awareness
- Social skills
According to the results of each game, the user is given a score out of 200 for each cognitive/emotional area. The app also features a ‘school edition’ with activities geared exclusively towards cognitive enhancement in children.
Free to download
Monthly Subscription: $9.99 / 1, 388 Rs.
Yearly Subscription: $49.99 / 6, 950 Rs.
5- OneBrain:
Unlike the above apps, OneBrain takes a different approach to brain training and cognitive function improvement by focusing on the coordination between the two brain hemispheres: the analytical left, and intuitive right hemisphere.
The app asks simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions that you have to answer quickly by tapping the relevant buttons. Over time, users can train their brains to simultaneously utilize both hemispheres for efficient and effective problem-solving and decision-making.
Free to Download
Apple Only
While these apps can help with brain training and improving brain function, immediately consult with your doctor if your cognitive difficulties are sudden and severe, and/or accompanied by symptoms like coordination issues and muscle twitching. You can also book an appointment with a top Neurologist in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your neural concerns.
