According to Michael Merzenich, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco, the brain needs fuel and frequent challenges to keep it chugging. In other words, the brain is a “use it or lose it” organ. The good news is, a brain exercise program doesn’t have to be inconvenient or costly. These days, you can enjoy games and exercises specifically designed to improve memory, speed mental reflexes, and keep thinking clear—and they’re available online. How these games and exercises work is that they help improve blood flow to the brain, access parts of the brain you may not have used in a while, and help neurons develop more connections in key brain areas related to memory and processing. Here are six websites to get you started:
Fit Brains
Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a neurophysiologist and chief science officer of Fit Brains, says we all need to work the brain in five areas: language, memory, executive functions (deciding), visual and spatial skills, and concentration. So the games offered focus on these five areas, track your progress, and promise real world benefits. The site is also unique in that it offers lifestyle tips to increase brain power. Sign up for a free guest account, or become a member of Club Fit Brains and pay a small monthly fee. www.fitbrains.com
Lumosity
Boasting research partners of Harvard and Stanford Universities, this site allows you to pinpoint certain cognitive weaknesses (for example, starting to forget) and build a “brain workout” around them. The workout is personalized, so that you get frequent, motivating feedback as you improve, and the workout changes to keep you challenged. There is a free trial; a year’s membership is under $100, and family plans are available. www.lumosity.com
Brain Metrix
This site is associated with Lumosity. On Brain Metrix, you can put the pedal to the mettle on math and chess problems, and play games that test your mental reflexes and enhance creativity. You can also test your IQ, then play games that are specific to boosting your IQ scores. www.brainmetrix.com
Happy Neuron
This site was created by a neurophysiologist and neurologist, Bernard Croisile, MD, and recommends three training sessions of 45 minutes each per week. The fact that you can keep changing the personalized exercises is what Dr. Croisile thinks is the key to motivating the user and keeping him or her interested. You can try it free for a week, then it is $14.95 per month. www.happy-neuron.com
Braingle
This is an online collection of 10,000 brain teasers and puzzles, many contributed by members. Membership is free, and it’s also a community, offering a great way to connect with like-minded puzzle fans. Socializing and making friends is also very important to maintaining a healthy, sharp brain. www.braingle.com
Games for the Brain
This site is no-frills, but it is free and offers many games to keep the mind sharp. Enjoy traditional games such as checkers, chess, or Sudoku, or enjoy new games such as Oooze, where you strategically zap soap bubbles with a stick to create specific color patterns. www.gamesforthebrain.com
Additional resources:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0606a.shtml
