Brain Training With Games

There are numerous researches showing the benefits of brain training on different aspects of our mental health. Brain training usually involves different puzzles, computer-based activities, in text format and other activities that would make intensify mental activity. 

Different medical institutions have performed studies on how training your brain could improve memory, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and improve focus and concentration.   There are even ongoing medical research on determining the benefits of brain training on delaying the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  

With such benefits, how could you start training your brain?  Contrary to what most of us initially think, brain training programs would not require you to pour on boring reading materials.  Here are some games which could excite your brain. 

• Sudoku. It is a logic-based puzzle which would require you to place numbers in a 9x9 grid.  It was popularized by the Japanese company Nikoli in 1986 until it became a hit in 2005.

• Crossword puzzles.  Solving crosswords would help develop different skills like vocabulary, spelling, reasoning, identifying similar and connected words and phrases. 

• Optical illusions. Also called visual illusions, these images help the eye and the mind to process the objective reality, physical measurements and excessive stimuli (like light and movement) of the object to determine the actual image.   

• Riddles.  Riddles are a great way to speed up mind processes. It would help you increase your thinking speed, problem solving skills and mind alertness. 

• Board games. There are a lot of board games that can help both adults and children in brain training.  The American Mensa Society awards best board games every year depending on the originality and play value.  But there are also classic board games like chess, Chinese checkers, go, reversi, checkers, and scrabble. 

• Memory games.  There are different memory games which challenge the mind to remember different patterns which would be come more complex and bigger as the level increases.

• Card games.  Bridge is challenging card game which could develop your quick decision making using analysis.  It could be complicated at first, but would eventually be easy and fun by playing consistently. 

• Computer games. Before computer games are regarded negatively, however there are different computer games developed like Brain Trainer, Brain Workout and Brain Age which are known to develop and stimulate the brain with simple exercises.  Popular puzzles like sudoku are also available in gaming consoles and even in cellphones. 

Currently, there are different brain games sold by various video game manufacturers. It may be a bit expensive but the good news is that there are also free online games which would allow you to increase mental exercise.  Brain training is one of the emerging market in the United States.  In 2007, it was reportedly that brain products are earning about $225 million. 

What should be kept in mind is that a particular mind training game or program may work for one person but may not be suitable for another.  To determine what brain training game is suitable for you, you could start with the one you know and eventually learn other games.  
