Brain training, mostly hype

Brain training can improve the function of the brain. But there is no scientific evidence that it improves the overall performance of the brain, especially in older people, according to Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG).

Brain training exercises that involve finding symbols quickly, for instance, can effectively improve reaction capacity. This does not, however, mean that the person's ability to remember names will be improved.

Scientists from the University of Connecticut and Brown University in the United States conducted 10 trials to analyze whether brain training in healthy older people influences mental ability. The biggest study, ACTIVE, saw the participation of 2,800 men and women, split into four groups.