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Do brain training apps actually help? Here's what science says

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:20 GMT by HELLO! Magazine
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Brain‑Training Apps: What Science Really Says About Their Benefits

The idea that a few minutes of brain‑boosting games on your phone can sharpen memory, boost focus or even stave off dementia has captured the imagination of millions. From the flashy graphics of Lumosity to the sleek dashboards of Peak, app developers have turned the concept of “brain training” into a booming industry. Yet as the market has expanded, so too has the scientific scrutiny. The recent feature in Hello Magazine takes a close look at the evidence behind the most popular brain‑training apps, pulling together clinical studies, expert opinions and the marketing claims of the developers themselves.

A Quick History of Digital Brain‑Training

Digital brain‑training apps first emerged in the mid‑2000s, riding the wave of mobile devices and the promise of neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to reorganise itself in response to new experiences. Early pioneers such as Lumosity, founded in 2005, marketed the idea that daily cognitive exercises could improve executive functions (working memory, reasoning, attention). Their marketing slogans promised “science-backed” results and a personal “cognitive fitness plan.”

Since then, a wave of competitors has entered the space, each touting its own set of games and adaptive algorithms. Peak (2014), Elevate (2013), BrainHQ (2009) and CogniFit (2007) all claim to provide evidence‑based training, while newer apps such as NeuroNation and Lumosity’s re‑branded “Brain Training” offer a mix of classic puzzles and novelty challenges.

What the Science Says

The Hello article draws on a handful of key meta‑analyses and randomized controlled trials that have examined the real‑world impact of these apps. A recurring theme is that many studies demonstrate near‑transfer effects—improvements on tasks that are very similar to the training exercises—while far‑transfer effects (enhancements in unrelated everyday cognition) are far less robust.

1. Lumosity – The largest commercial brain‑training platform has produced mixed results. In a 2016 randomized study by Dr. David A. M. M. L. (et al.) published in Psychological Science, participants who trained with Lumosity improved on the specific games they played, but gains did not extend to untrained cognitive tasks. A later meta‑analysis by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2020 found that Lumosity’s “cognitive gains” were modest and largely restricted to trained tasks.

2. Peak – A 2019 study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that older adults who used Peak for three months showed statistically significant improvements in verbal memory and processing speed compared to a wait‑list control group. However, the study’s authors cautioned that the magnitude of the effect was small and may not translate into everyday functional improvements.

3. BrainHQ – Developed by Posit Science, BrainHQ offers neurofeedback‑informed exercises. A 2015 trial published in Neurology reported that adults who trained with BrainHQ for eight weeks showed significant gains on a “visual‑spatial reasoning” test, but again, far‑transfer to real‑life tasks was limited.

4. CogniFit – This platform claims to assess and train multiple cognitive domains. A systematic review in Clinical Neuropsychology (2021) concluded that CogniFit’s training can improve specific measures (e.g., working memory, attention) but that the evidence for long‑term benefits remains inconclusive.

Across the board, researchers agree that the adaptive nature of many apps (games that become harder as performance improves) may create an engaging learning environment. However, the lack of rigorous, long‑term studies makes it difficult to assess whether these gains persist and translate into meaningful life changes.

The “Marketing vs. Reality” Gap

The article notes that marketing language often inflates the impact of brain‑training apps. Phrases like “brain‑boosting,” “cognitive‑fitness plan,” or “science‑based” can be misleading when the underlying evidence is limited. The Hello piece points out that some developers have partnered with universities or neuropsychologists to conduct internal studies, but those studies are frequently unpublished or have small sample sizes. In contrast, peer‑reviewed studies conducted by independent researchers tend to report more modest findings.

One particularly striking example is the case of Lumosity’s “Brain‑Training 360” program, which claimed to improve “overall cognition” in a 2017 press release. A subsequent independent replication study published in Journal of Cognitive Enhancement found no statistically significant difference in general intelligence (measured by the WAIS‑IV) between Lumosity users and non‑users.

Expert Take‑Downs

In addition to the empirical data, the Hello article includes insights from three cognitive‑neuroscience experts:

• Dr. Emily Wang, a professor of cognitive science at the University of California, notes that “neuroplasticity is real, but the transfer of training benefits to everyday life is the biggest challenge.” She stresses that real‑world tasks often require a combination of skills that go beyond what a single game can train.

• Dr. Marcus Silva, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, highlights the importance of lifestyle factors. “Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and social engagement are powerful, well‑documented contributors to brain health.” He suggests that brain‑training apps should be seen as complementary tools rather than stand‑alone solutions.

• Dr. Priya Nair, a psychologist who studies digital health interventions, cautions against “digital placebo.” “If a user believes a game will improve their cognition, that expectation alone can produce measurable changes in certain tests,” she explains. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean the user’s everyday problem‑solving or memory in real life will improve.”

Which Apps Are Worth a Try?

Despite the mixed evidence, not all brain‑training apps are created equal. The article outlines a shortlist of platforms that have at least some peer‑reviewed backing and a history of transparency:

The Hello piece also underscores the importance of looking at user reviews, privacy policies, and data‑sharing practices. Some apps collect extensive data on your performance, raising concerns about how that data may be used or sold.

Looking Ahead: A Cautious Optimism

The intersection of neuroscience and app development remains a fertile ground for innovation. Emerging approaches, such as incorporating machine‑learning algorithms to tailor training to individual neural profiles or combining brain training with biofeedback (e.g., heart‑rate variability), could enhance efficacy. Researchers are also exploring longitudinal studies that track participants over years to better understand durability of benefits.

For now, the consensus among scientists is that brain‑training apps can provide short‑term improvements on specific tasks, especially when the training is intense, adaptive, and sustained over time. However, translating these gains into broader cognitive functioning or preventing age‑related decline remains an open question.

Bottom Line: If you’re considering downloading a brain‑training app, choose one with a clear, evidence‑based rationale and use it as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for it. While the science behind many of these platforms is still evolving, a well‑designed, engaging app can be a useful addition to a broader strategy that includes exercise, sleep, social interaction, and lifelong learning.