The Best Way to Train Your Brain: A Game

Johns Hopkins University researchers tested the two leading brain training exercises and found one works much better than the other. This game, similar to one used in the research, demonstrates how it works.

Video Transcript

Graphics:
What's the best way to train your brain?
Johns Hopkins University researchers compared two of the most popular brain training exercises.
They found one is far more effective than the other.
The training requires you to remember the location of objects flashing on the screen (like these blue squares).
You also have to remember the letters you hear.

Woman's voice:
P-V-V-C

Graphics:
Let's give it a try.
Round 1: Remember the second to last location and letter in the sequence.

Woman's voice:
C-V-P-V-P-C

Graphics:
Do you remember the second to last letter and location?
The answer this time was...

Woman's voice:
P-P-P

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Each round requires a little more brain power.
Round 2: Remember the location and letter that's third from last in the sequence.

Woman's voice:
V-C-D-C-V-P

Graphics:
Can you remember the third to last letter and location?
The answer this time was...

Woman's voice:
C-C-C-C

Graphics:
Researchers found this kind of training constantly updates the brain's working memory.
Working memory is like your brain's virtual sticky note.
It holds temporary information you need to make decisions.
The Johns Hopkins Study shows there's something special about this kind of training.
It appears to improve working memory and actually changes the activity in your brain.

Woman's voice:
P-P-V

[Johns Hopkins University logo]

Video by:
Johns Hopkins Office of Communications
[email protected]
Producer/Editor: Len Turner