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Efficacy of brain training programs questioned

The brain training industry cites scientific evidence for their programs, but how widespread are any cognitive improvements?

Published in Neuroscience

Go to the profile of Alan Woodruff
Alan Woodruff
Community Editor, Queensland Brain Institute
Efficacy of brain training programs questioned
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A clinical trial in Melbourne, Australia, into the effectiveness of brain training —in this case working memory training —has found no evidence that it improves general academic outcomes in children. The finding complements a 2014 consensus statement from leading cognitive psychologists, which argued that brain training games produced no benefit to everyday cognition, and could not slow or reverse age-related cognitive decline. While the Melbourne study did report temporary improvements in short-term memory, another recent investigation found that improvements after brain training may be no more than a placebo effect, as reported by Forbes.

Go to the profile of Alan Woodruff
Alan Woodruff
Community Editor, Queensland Brain Institute

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