Games, Puzzles & IQ Tests

I was just reading this article entitled Brain Fitness Industry Growth Driven by Science which discusses the role of scientific studies in validating the efficacy of a brain fitness program. One researcher is quoted as saying “Consumers should look for products with published studies showing the product worked, and should be wary of general claims that a product stimulates the brain when there is no published study of that product”. While I think it is important that people are doing these studies to investigate the idea that mental exercise can improve cognitive functioning, I think a comment like this is going a little far. It is not hard to develop an exercise or game to stimulate your mind, and the idea that only scientifically developed and tested programs have validity is absurd. Many neuroscientists advocate classic games like crossword puzzles or chess as a means to keep the mind fit – were these invented by scientists in a lab? Likewise, no one needs to study swimming or soccer to know that they improve stamina and tone muscles – it’s just obvious. Almost any game/activity/exercise that challenges you, that makes you think a little harder, or in an unusual way, is going to be a good tool for keeping your mind sharp and improving your mental facilities. That’s not to say that some of these scientifically-developed programs might not work a little better, but ultimately those gains can be offset by lack of intrigue or incentive to play. A game that engages you, and keeps you coming back for more, is more likely to be effective than some exercise that you struggle to complete and leaves you reluctant to repeat.

Tags: brain fitness, brain training, cognitive fitness programs, mental exercise

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