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Brain trainers' claims strain credibility

26 February 2009

Expensive brain trainers claim to improve your memory and keep your mind in shape – but the evidence doesn't add up, say Which? experts.

TV ads featuring celebrities such as Nicole Kidman have helped to make the Nintendo DS and similar devices hugely popular. Some manufacturers claim that using them will improve memory or even stave off dementia. However, the consumer magazine asked a panel of experts to examine the evidence and they found it doesn't compute.

Nintendo Dr Kawashima's Brain Training (£110 includes console). The instruction booklet says "training can help consolidate memory and creativity and may hopefully help develop a resistance against decline in later life." Which? experts say: "There is no evidence that using this product will have any functional impact on your life whatsoever."

Mindfit (Mindweavers, £88, PC CD-ROM). The company says: "Exercises important abilities that are… known to decline in later life, such as short-term memory." Which? experts say: "The evidence didn't show that using this product was significantly better than playing computer games like Tetris."

Lumosity (Lumos Labs, £4.99 per month, online training system). They claim: "The exercises… stimulate the neuroplasticity that leads to improved cognitive ability and a healthier brain." Which? experts say: "This does not mean that improvements on the tasks will lead to improvements in day-to-day living and certainly does not mean your brain will have been made healthier by the process."

The bottom line is that none of the manufacturers' claims are supported by evidence that meets the minimum standard by which scientific research is judged.

There is good evidence that some activities help maintain mental processes. But many of these are cheap or even free, such as getting regular physical exercise, eating healthily and having an active social life.

Martyn Hocking, Editor, Which?, says:

"If people enjoy using these games, then they should continue to do so – that's a no-brainer. But if people are under the illusion that these devices are scientifically proven to keep their minds in shape, they need to think again."



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