Over the past couple of days, I’ve been reviewing Lumosity, the “scientifically designed brain training program.” You’re probably somewhat familiar with it, given that it’s been featured in media sources and magazines like The New York Times and Women’s Health, as well as all over the Internet.

There’s been some controversy surrounding programs like Lumosity, and the source of much of the controversy gathers around one question:

Do these brain games really work, or are they just rip offs?

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you whether or not they work. I’m not a scientist, or a doctor, or Derek Shepherd. However, I can tell you that I had fun playing the Lumosity games, and I did feel a bit sharper, mentally, afterward.

Read on for my review.

Lumosity includes 30 “sessions” and each session includes three to five games. You have to unlock each level, or session, you’re currently on before you can move on to the next level. (It sounds more confusing than it is!) Of course, you can always play a particular game more than once. I did.

Each game is designed to test and strengthen your attention, memory, processing speed, or cognitive control, and once you get rolling you can check your history for information about your Brain Performance Index, as well as keep track with your sessions and courses (Basic Training, Speed Boost, and Memory Boost).

Even though the games get more difficult the more you play them, you’ll probably get better at playing them. My score always increased each time I played a particular game. For example, my first score for Birdwatching, one of my favorite games, was 602. My fourth score was 3800.

Other favorites of mine were:

• Word Bubbles – With this one, you have to create as many words as you can that start with the three letters the game gives you. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
• Lost in Migration – In order to succeed at this game, you have to really slow down and focus on what you’re supposed to focus on and not allow yourself to get distracted or rushed.

I did not enjoy:

• Raindrops: It’s a math game, so naturally it frustrated me.
• Color Match: For some reason, I kept getting the rules confused!

According to my history, my memory and processing speed are both sharper than my attention and cognitive control. Though, really, I thought I was doing a good job at paying attention! (Well, maybe with the exception of Color Match.)

Lumosity offers a free trial, so give it a go and form your own opinions. Don’t forget to head back here and let me know what you think!

In the meantime, check out these posts for more brain game-related fun:

• Review: Google’s Top 5 Brain Games
• Time To Give Your Brain A Workout
• Keep Your Brain Active And Healthy The Fun Way!

Post from: Blisstree

Brain Game Review: Lumosity