Brains need training if they are to work at their best. Unlike computers that can store information forever, brains are more like muscles that need exercising.

It is possible to improve cognitive abilities with brain training and reduce risks of cognitive decline.

Brain training games are often great fun, as well as challenging. Tracking progress is exciting, and seeing improvement in scores will encourage you and give you the incentive to keep going.

1. Free and paid brain training programs and apps

Many free brain training exercises are found online, but to play the best ones, you usually need to pay a subscription. These are the ones designed by scientists who understand how the brain works and are up-to-date on the latest brain research.

Sometimes you are offered a free trial period to see how the program works before choosing to purchase it.

Brain training apps can be used on different devices, including mobile phones. This allows you the convenience of being able to complete sessions at any time and from anywhere.

A session may take up to about 10 or 15 minutes a day, and it is important to keep doing them regularly. Some of the apps will remind you to do a session.

2. Different levels to suit different cognitive ability

The best type of workout is not just entertaining but must challenge you as well. If a game is too easy, it will be boring. If it is too difficult, you will have less incentive to continue. You must choose the right level to suit your cognitive ability and improve it.

You can customize certain brain training programs. Answering some questions about memory, problem-solving, attention span, and more allows your program to be shaped according to the answers you provide.

3. Exercise different areas of the brain

Perception, calculus, logic, memory, and language are some aspects of cognitive ability. Games are designed to exercise these different aspects. Some are built to strengthen reading and communication skills.

Others will work on analytical or mathematical skills. There are even those that emphasize emotional intelligence through games that focus on social awareness and self-awareness.

Some people may need to work on one area more than another. For example, individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit may want to improve their attention span with brain training.

Older adults may want to work on their short term memory, decision-making, and reaction time. Brain training games are proven to help older adults with reasoning, completing daily tasks, and verbal learning when played at least five times a week.

4. Instant feedback on performance

It is possible to check your progress when a session ends. You will see statistics that show factors like the total you got correct, your reaction time and how much you improved on a previous score.

You may be able to see a graph that shows different areas of the brain and how you have progressed in each area. You may be able to compare your skills to other users of the same age as you.

5. Encourages concentration and reaction time

As a certain time span is allowed for a game, intense focus and concentration are necessary. This mental effort has a positive effect on attention span, short-term memory, and more. When you are mentally agile, you can solve problems more easily and think critically.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s dynamic ability to adapt. Studies have proved that brain training can stimulate neuroplasticity and brain processing speed.

You can improve your reaction time with brain training. Quick-fire rounds and timed challenges test your ability to react quickly and accurately.

Ensure your brain gets a workout with brain training, and your mental health is likely to remain intact well into old age.