Scientists Suggest that Brain Games Can Be Effective in Improving Memory

By  //  October 27, 2020

According to a study conducted by Harvard University earlier this year, playing games can be effective in improving our memory and concentration, especially as we age.

With a slew of these products currently on the market and purporting to improve cognitive health, many have questioned their efficacy, but this latest research suggests there may well be something in what they’re selling.  

We take a look at how it works and whether it’s really worth downloading this specially developed cognitive content.

Aging and brain function

It’s no secret that, as we age, we tend to experience a decline in cognitive function. That’s because, like every other body part, our brains tend to suffer from wear and tear over time, which frequently manifests as lapses in memory and a more generalized slowing down.

Scientifically speaking, these changes are caused by a weakening of our neural synapses, which are largely responsible for both recall and cognitive function. Where these don’t work as well, they can cause older people to feel less mentally capable than they once were.   

While research into these age-related changes is arguably still in its infancy, what we do know is that certain lifestyle factors can decrease the risk of mental decline, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and minimizing stress.  

More interestingly still, it may even be possible to build new neural networks by working to keep the brain active, whether by pursuing educational opportunities, learning new skills, or playing mentally challenging games.  

Use it or lose it

When referring to skills or abilities, an oft-repeated axiom is that you must use it or lose it, and now scientists from Harvard University believe that this may well apply to our mental capabilities.

This is something researchers have been looking into since 1995, and it’s not only specially developed brain games that can prove effective: so too can video games, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and online gambling.

We’ll use the latter as an example of how this purportedly works. As this link explains, there are tens of dozens of different online casinos, each of them offering a wide variety of games. These can be accessed via an individual’s chosen provider, with many different bonus offers available to make online gaming more easily accessible.

Despite their variety, what a lot of these games have in common is that they make us think, especially when you look at table games like blackjack or poker. Players must be able to strategize and develop tactics in order to maximize their chances of success, and in doing so, they inadvertently exercise – and by default strengthen – their neural pathways.

This is a crucial exercise to maintaining strong brain behaviors. According to the experts, by thus reinforcing them, naturally occurring damage can be halted – if not reversed – to improve overall memory and cognitive function.

Will this research impact the way that you approach aging moving forward?