10 best apps to train your brain

By Perry Santanachote, Life by DailyBurn

September 9, 2014 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT)
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Brain training apps can improve working memory, processing speed and brain
function
Apps can also improve psychological and emotional states, experts say
Most of the apps listed here are based on established treatments
(Life By DailyBurn ) -- Whether it's to focus at work, do better at school, or just stay
sharp, there are various reasons for wanting to boost brainpower. But maintaining
psychological well-being is equally as important.
"Stress and anxiety are among the most pressing and far-reaching public health problems
we face," says Tracy Dennis, professor of psychology at Hunter College. "Mental changes
affect every part of our lives: physical health, sense of well-being, work, educational
productivity and community involvement."
Nadine Kaslow, professor and vice chair at Emory University's Department of Psychiatry
and president of the American Psychological Association, says apps can help promote
mental health through participation in activities designed to reduce symptoms and improve
psychological functioning.
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Then there are apps that don't directly target mental health, but aim to increase cognitive
functioning.
"We know that apps like Lumosity can improve memory, problem solving skills and
processing speed, especially in older adults," says Kaslow. "There are also studies that
show that people who engage in these video games are less likely to develop brain plaques
associated with Alzheimer's disease. Keeping your mind active is as important as physical
exercise and these apps can help you stay fit mentally."
Put your mind to the test
These days, hundreds of brain-training apps claim to put the "smart" in smartphone and
guarantee cognitive improvement with minimal daily use. Don't think your flaky memory
or scatterbrain can be restored? Studies are mixed, since this technology is in the early
stages of development.
But a 2012 systematic review that analyzed 151 computerized training studies published
between 1984 and 2011, found that certain training tasks had a big effect on working
memory, processing speed and brain function. In short, playing computer games for a few
minutes a day can literally change your mind.
"When you do things in the world, you lay down new neural pathways," says Dennis. "The
more you do something, the more available that pathway is, so you may be able to use your
brain resources more effectively."
New brainteaser apps show up every day in mobile app stores with claims to improve
memory, increase I.Q., or enhance other cognitive skills. They may be fun to play, but how
many of them actually work?
The goal here after all is to train your brain, not just play video games. Most of the below
selections are based on established treatments that have been extensively studied and
validated by independent research sources.
For the most part, brain apps can't make you smarter or happier, but they can help you
perform certain tasks better or have more control over your emotional state. Keep in mind
that most games are designed for people who are reasonably healthy, not for those with
mental disorders, and are no replacement for a mental health professional.
While you're not going to notice any drastic transformation, it's worth giving one of these
apps a try, since engaging in various types of new and cognitively demanding tasks is good
for the brain (plus, it's fun!).
The best apps for your brain
1. Lumosity
This popular app is split into sessions of three games tailored to your goals: memory,
attention, problem solving, processing speed or flexibility of thinking. The games are
played against the clock and change every time. Developers say just one session a day can
improve mental skills and users can track progress and compare performance with others.
(Free for limited access, upgrade for $15 a month or $80 a year; available for iOS)
2. CogniFit Brain Fitness
Improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration, with sleek, fun and
addictive games designed by neuroscientists. Users can track progress and access insights
about overall brain health. Competitive players can challenge friends, too.
After an initial quiz, the app adapts each game's difficulty to your profile and gives you
recommendations based on your results. Developers found that users saw improvement by
spending at least 20 minutes, two to three times a week, playing the games. (Free for four
games or full subscription for $13 a month or $120; available for iOS)
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3. Personal Zen
Players follow two animated characters, one of which looks calm and friendly while the
other looks angry, as they burrow through a field of rustling grass. This game, developed
by Dennis and researchers from Hunter College and the City University of New York,
reduces anxiety by training your brain to focus more on the positive and less on the
negative.
"The habit of thinking about the world in a more positive light like looking for a silver
lining in a bad situation is one of the key ways we can promote our own resilience in the
face of adversity," says Dennis.
Even a single session of play can build resilience over several hours. She suggests using the
app right before a stressful event, but 10 minutes a day will help build more enduring
positive effects. (Free; available for iOS)
4. Brain Trainer Special
Like Lumosity, this Android app contains games that have you memorizing letter
sequences, phone numbers and solving assorted math problems to keep your mind in tip-
top shape. Difficulty levels range from easy to brain-tingling hard. (Free; available on
Google Play)
5. Brain Fitness Pro
Brain Fitness Pro employs a series of memory training exercises to increase focus, memory
and problem-solving skills. Developers say that intensive working memory training
dramatically increases attention and general cognitive skills and that these benefits remain
long term. ($4; available for iOS)
6. Happify
Train your brain to be happier? Yep, research shows that some activities help build your
ability to conquer negative thoughts, show gratitude, cope with stress, and empathize -- all
essential ingredients for a fuller, happier life.
Using fundamentals of positive psychology, which involves focusing on the strengths and
virtues that enable individuals to create fulfilling lives, the app's quizzes, polls and gratitude
journal -- combined with a positive community -- gradually teach life-changing habits. The
goal is to build these skills and keep users smiling all day. (Free; available for iOS)
7. Positive Activity Jackpot
This app was originally developed for service members returning from combat with high
risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. It uses augmented reality with an Android phone's
GPS to find nearby activities and diversions for someone coping with depression.
If you cannot make up your mind what to do, "pull the lever" and let the app's jackpot
function make the choice for you. PAJ is based on a form of behavioral therapy called
pleasant event scheduling, which encourages a daily schedule of enjoyable activities to
improve moods and overcome despondent thoughts. (Free; available on Google Play)
8. Fit Brains Trainer
More than 360 unique games and puzzles aimed at stretching and improving your mental
agility lead users through various tasks. Sessions get harder as you improve and will always
challenge you and provide a solid brain workout.
Keep track of your progress and performance tools and the program offers training
recommendations for best results. (Free; available on iOS and on Google Play)
9. Eidetic
Eidetic uses a technique called spaced repetition to help you memorize anything from
important phone numbers to interesting words or facts. It works differently from typical
brain training apps by using items that have meaning and context, like your beau's phone
number, bank account details, or a new quote worth reciting.
Notifications remind you when it's time to test yourself and spaces out tests over time to
make sure you retain the information in long-term memory. (Free; available on iOS)
10. ReliefLink
Kaslow developed this award-winning app for suicide prevention but it can be used as a
general mood tracker.
"It's like MyFitnessPal in that you can track all sorts of things that are relevant to your
mental health," says Kaslow.
It also includes unique coping methods, such as voice-recorded mindfulness and relaxation
exercises, or relaxing music. The map locator pinpoints nearby therapists, support groups
and mental health treatment facilities, too, in case you ever need to talk to a professional.
While brain-training apps will never completely take the place of face-to-face intervention
and prevention approaches, Dennis sees their potential as an adjunct to other stress-
reducing activities, whether that's exercise, yoga, or seeing a therapist.
"Apps can also be gateway treatments that empower the individual to make positive
changes, which can then lead to seek out other health promotion tools."
And while technology can help sharpen the brain and calm the nerves, true mental health is
much more holistic.
"What's most important is feeling you have meaning in life and social connections," says
Kaslow. "It doesn't mean you have to be happy, but it does have to do with having
purpose."
And there's no app for that...yet.