Strengthen your… what was I saying? Scientists have not fully understood how brain training apps improve your concentration and memory.
But something that apps can do is improve your confidence in your memory, which can also improve your mental performance in other aspects of your life, explains mental health expert P. Murali Doraiswamy.
Find out which are the most popular apps:
1. BRAINHQ
If you love learning about the research behind your habits, this brain training app is for you. BrainHQ shares the science behind each of its 29 exercises.
One downside: Unlike Lumosity, which offers comprehensive tutorials at the start of each game, BrainHQ leaves you alone without giving you many instructions. It might be a bit difficult for you in the first games before you get things right.
BrainHQ.com; $ 14 a month for full access.
2. PEAK
If you value healthy competition, consider going down Peak. The app allows you to compare your results in more than 45 brain tests with those of your friends and even with other people in your profession. As you get better at each game, you will rise from rookie to graduate status. If you get too competitive, Peak also offers relaxing tasks to help you stay calm and focused.
Peak.net; $ 35 per year for the unlimited Pro version.
3. LUMOSITY
The original brain training app offers five daily exercises for your mind as a game. If that is not enough, you can choose from 60 other games, more than there are in any popular app. This, combined with performance information that helps you contextualize how your results are doing, makes Lumosity shine. Disadvantage: Some games may seem tedious. Lumosity.com; some games are free, $ 12 a month to access all games and tools.
4. ELEVATE
Aimed at executives as a way to improve communication and analytical skills, Elevate says it also offers memory benefits. The app’s more than 35 games are designed to improve your skills in five areas: speaking, reading, writing, listening and mathematics. You can choose what you want to improve (for example, concentration by reading or retaining more than you read). ElevateApp.com; $ 40 per year after a two-week free trial.