Some encouraging data is suggests that brain-training apps like Lumosity, BrainHQ, Elevate, or Peak may mildly improve memory and cognitive functions in older adults. However, the evidence doesn’t strongly support that these apps can halt or reduce cognitive decline, especially if a person already has dementia. The benefits of these apps require consistent and intensive use and are not long-lasting if usage stops. Despite the lack of evidence for effectiveness, these user-friendly apps can be a fun way to support people in practicing some cognitive skills.

There are pros and cons when it comes to brain training apps. These apps are accessible to a wide range of people at a low cost. They bring attention to cognitive health, and help their users to work on their memory, their ability to focus, and other cognitive skills. That means people affected by memory loss or cognitive impairment can use them as a fun way to practice skills they have trouble with. With this being said, research seems to indicate that these apps and games do not help to slow down cognitive decline. They also don’t seem to help once cognitive impairment has progressed to the early stages of dementia.

Additionally, there is an ongoing discussion in the research community about how well brain training translates to real-life skills. It is unclear whether brain-training apps only enhance performance in specific exercises or tests associated with the app, or if they improve cognitive abilities in daily life. Improve cognition at all requires consistent use; the apps’ effectiveness diminishes rapidly once stopped. In one study, a brain-training app showed improvements in memory and cognitive speed only when subjects engaged with the app for one hour every day over a period of eight to ten weeks.

A recent meta-analysis looked at the results of a large number of studies done on the effects of brain games and came to the following conclusion: Using brain games compared to a control group does not show significant improvement in standardized tests of cognitive function. While researchers cannot rule out that there is a positive effect, the results show that brain training is not an effective or reliable treatment option for dementia. However, there is not a negative effect caused by these applications, and choosing to use them is up to personal preference.

Here are some brain training apps oriented toward people with dementia:

Neuronation MED: NeuroNation MED is a mobile application based on playful training of various cognitive functions (Multi-Domain Cognitive Training). To train these skills, a wide variety of exercises are available within the application. These can be selected individually or compiled within a personalised training unit.

Constant Therapy: Constant Therapy helps people not only with dementia and aphasia, but also other speech and neurological disorders. Dementia patients can practice speech, memory, reading, attention, calculating and other daily skills with exercises that their physician selects.

Mindmate: The MindMate app stimulates brain activity, offers advice on nutrition and physical activity and social connection. It provides engagement tools, including a jukebox feature and a television section. These tools are designed to engage people living with dementia and equip carers with convenient tools to deliver real person-centered care.

BrainHQ: Well-researched brain-training program that offers a series of brain training games that have also been tested for dementia patients.

💡 People should be cautious if they find commercial packages that claim they can prevent or delay cognitive decline as the evidence for this is currently lacking. Recently, one of the leading providers of commercial brain training games was fined for making false claims about the benefits of their product.