Exercising you brain is just as important as working out your body. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that keeping the brain active increases its vitality and builds the reserves of brain cells and connections, which can delay and even fight the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month here’s a look at some online software that can give your mind a complete workout.
ThirdAge.com
ThirdAge.com, a website geared toward female boomers, offers access to thousands of free games targeted to keep the brain active. Users can choose from some a collection of top brain fitness games like The Squeaking Mouse or Splitword. The games, created by HAPPYneuron, are scientifically designed brain training that the company claims will help improve memory and brain health.
Lumosity.com
Lumosity.com offers visitors personalized brain training aimed at waking up brain cells. Users get a customized brain fitness plan, cognitive exercises tailored to individual goals and an estimate of the improvement potential. According to Lumosity.com, users report faster name recollection, greater attention to detail, better concentration and quicker problem-solving skills. Access to Lumosity costs $29.95 for two months, $59.95 for six months, $79.95 for a year and $129.95 for two years.
AARP.com
The experts in everything for people ages 50 and up, AARP.com offers its website’s visitors a slew of brain games that work your memory, problem solving and language skills. The games can be adjusted to meet your skill level and you can even compare your performance with other online players. Some of the games on AARP.com include Countdown, which involves choosing the correct combination of numbers and functions to get the correct answer; The Right Word, that improves vocabulary by matching words with their definitions; and Shapes and Colors, which requires concentration by memorizing and finding shapes.
FitBrains.com
An online platform offered by Vivity Labs, FitBrains.com hosts a variety of games developed by brain health experts that target five cognitive brain functions: memory, concentration, language, logic and reasoning and visual-spatial skills. According to the company, research shows the brain starts to slow down around age 25, but with regular brain exercise, new neural connections and pathways can be created at any age. FitBrains.com offers a limited amount of games for free and club members have access to the full collection of brain games as well as personalized recommendations, a scale to match difficulty with individual skill levels and access to a community to compete against other members. Membership costs $79.95 for 12 months or $39.95 for three months. A lifetime membership runs $5.50 a month.
Facebook Brain Games
Facebook isn’t only about catching up with family and friends. The social networking site has also become a hotbed of free and paid for games, including those that exercise your brain. Whether you are looking to show off your smarts or increase your brain function, Facebook offers a variety of games to fit the bill. Some of the more popular brain workout games on Facebook include Bejeweled Blitz, Minesweeper, Word Challenge and Perfect Balance.