The Surprising Truth About Lumosity and Other Brain Training Games

I often get asked what I think about brain training games.

And I always say the same thing, which is:

The only one that seems to be effective in the long term and is backed by solid scientific research is Cogmed Training to improve working memory.

According to Cogmed, “80% of users see measureable improvements.” And the research, not only backs up these claims, but shows that the improvements are not only seen in the game, but also in real life improvements in working memory for users.

The questioning rarely ends there, though.

“But, Marla, what about ones like Lumosity? It says on its website that it can improve memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem solving.”

For an adult with ADHD that sounded like the golden ticket. And many were lured by Lumosity’s phenomenal marketing into signing up for monthly subscriptions.

But, as Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, an expert in brain/mind health from the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, noted, “…the science of cognitive training has not kept up with the hype.”

He also said, “Almost all the marketing claims made by all the companies go beyond the data.

The Federal Trade Commission agreed. And it’s cracking down.

Finally!

According to the agreement with the FTC, in addition to being fined 50 million dollars and allowing users to easily opt out, Lumosity can no longer make health and cognition claims.

To read more on the continuing debate check out, “F.T.C.’s Lumosity Penalty Doesn’t End Brain Training Debate.”

And, please, be careful when seeking out treatment for your ADHD. If the claims seem too good to be true, they just might be…