The evidence for “brain games” benefitting long-term brain health is rather weak, according to a new statement from the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH). While brain games can be entertaining, their benefits are often exaggerated by the companies that promote them.
Instead, the GCBH recommends engaging in mentally stimulating activities to help support and maintain memory, attention, and reasoning skills. Activities might include ones that challenge the way you think (e.g. learning a new language), boost your social engagement (e.g. mentoring in your community), or train your body along with your brain (e.g. playing tennis).
“The sooner you start the better, because what you do now may make you less susceptible to disease-related brain changes later in life,” said Marilyn Albert, Ph.D., GCBH Chair, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University.
The GCBH is an independent collaborative that draws on physicians, researchers, and policy makers to provide guidance and advice on how to maintain and improve brain health. PMC Co-Director Jason Karlawish is a member of the GCBH Governance Committee.
Learn more on www.makingsenseofalzheimers.org.