The brain is just like a muscle - it thrives on exercise!

From pen-and-paper Sudoku and crosswords to specialized brain training apps, options for brain games are plentiful.

Sudoku

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Sudokuis a number placement game that relies on short-term memory.

Black woman with smartphone on a sofa for networking online, mobile app or relax chat with home wifi. Young person on couch using phone for internet, social media post or email communication update

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This throw in of planning helpsimprove short-term memoryand concentration.

you’ve got the option to play Sudoku online, on an app, or on paper.

Sudoku puzzles are available in varying degrees of difficulty.

Sudoku puzzle in newspaper, with mug and pen, close-up

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When you’re starting out, play the easy games until you learn the rules.

If you’re playing on paper, use a pencil!

Lumosity

Lumosityis one of the most established brain training and mental fitness programs.

Person playing crossword puzzle

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Either way, you might keep track of your results and improvement.

Lumosity also has a meditation and mindfulness app called Lumosity Mind.

There are many ways to do crossword puzzles, both online and off.

Peak mobile app game

Peak.net

If you receive a daily newspaper, you’ll almost always get a crossword there.

Or pick up a book of crosswords specifically suited to your skill level and interests.

You will also find many options for crossword puzzles online or via free or inexpensive apps.

Braingle teaser

Braingle

As with most other brain games, you could track your progress to see how your skills are improving.

If you’re a competitive person, you might be motivated by seeing how you perform against other users.

The app is free to use, but an inexpensive subscription unlocks more features.

Brain Age: Concentration Training game Blubbler Blast

Brain Age: Concentration Training / Nintendo Life

you’ve got the option to even create your own puzzles to give your brain a super workout.

Braingle has a wide variety of offerings, including optical illusions, codes and ciphers, and trivia quizzes.

Queendom

Queendomhas thousands of personality tests and surveys.

Wordle in progress

If you’d like to save results and scores, you’ll need a free account.

Some tests give you only snapshot results for free, and charge a fee for full reports.

It’s fun, portable, and challenging.

My Brain Trainer

My Brain Trainercalls itself an online “brain gym.”

It is similar in format to, although less stylish than, Lumosity and Happy Neuron.

It’s also less expensive; a three-month subscription costs the same as a month on the other services.

The annual subscription is an even bigger savings.

you might try a challenge for free as well.

This website is full of games, puzzles, and other challenges designed to improve your mental fitness.

The website recommends 10 minutes of brain training twice a day for the best effects.

It also has a basic training program that claims to improve your mental speed.

Find what feels good and works for you.

Make brain training a daily habit and build the mental reserves to delay cognitive decline!

2018;24:63-69. doi:10.12659%2FMSMBR.909022