6 Memory Improvement Games and Activities With Proven Benefits

Many people worry about losing their memory as they get older — especially those with a family history of dementia. And you might have heard that certain games can be beneficial for the brain. Some people turn to brain games like crossword puzzles, sudoku, and table games to keep their memories sharp. 

The truth is that there’s no absolute proof that these types of games can prevent dementia. But this is not the whole story. Some small studies suggest that certain types of memory games and other activities can improve certain areas of cognitive performance, including memory. 

1. Word and number puzzles

There’s evidence that word and number games may have benefits for memory. Word puzzles include crossword puzzles and word searches. Number puzzles include games like sudoku. 

One study of older adults found that people who play word puzzles as a habit perform better on memory testing. A similar study demonstrated the same benefits for people who play number games. 

But this does not prove that word and number puzzles can make a difference in improving memory once someone has memory impairment or dementia. 

2. Table games

Strategic board and card games can definitely task the brain. But do they help with memory? Researchers are doing a lot of work in this area. 

One small clinical trial did show benefits on brain speed and verbal skills in older adults who play board and card games. Another study of chess players showed better performance on a number of cognitive tests, including memory. It also found that the benefits are greatest with those who put the most time into playing. 

Another group of researchers reviewed the available research on multiple table games, with promising findings for the following games:

• Chess: Research showed improved performance on several cognitive tests. Chess playing was also associated with improved quality of life overall.

• Mahjong: Mahjong was associated with improved executive function, which includes complex tasks like decision-making and planning. Mahjong was also shown to temporarily lessen symptoms of depression. 

• Go: This is one of the oldest board games still played today. Playing Go improves performance on some visuospatial tests, which are the skills associated with driving.

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3. Video games

Video games hold a lot of promise for stimulating and training the brain. They require problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. And they can sharpen these skills through practice. 

Video games are usually intended for entertainment. But several studies have shown memory benefits. One interesting study found beneficial effects in older adults with memory loss after just 10 to 20 hours of gameplay. 

Video games and virtual reality gaming systems also show evidence of benefits on memory in those with neurodegenerative diseases. These include diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. 

These findings are especially hopeful for people in younger generations, many of whom have grown up playing video games. 

4. Exergaming

Exercise games, or “exergames,” takes video games a step further by adding physical movement. Exergames incorporate a wide variety of activities, including:

• Dance

• Aerobics

• Yoga

• Sports

• Virtual-reality immersion

Exergaming may be even better for the brain than video games. This is in line with current evidence that even exercise alone has benefits for cognition.  

Researchers are also studying exergaming in people with cognitive impairment and dementia. And it seems to improve physical and brain function in people with these issues. Some of the benefits of exergaming may be due to the beneficial effects of exercise on depression. This is because depression is also shown to have negative effects on memory. 

5. Dance

For those who don’t enjoy puzzles or games, there are other fun activities that can benefit memory. Dancing in particular seems to have a positive effect on brain health. 

Compared to physical exercise, dancing shows more benefits for brain anatomy and performance, including memory. Dance has also been an active area of research with regards to its potential benefits for brain neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt and improve in response to activity. 

A large review of the research on dance and neuroplasticity showed these potential benefits:

• Global cognition

• Memory

• Visuospatial function

• Language

• Physical function

• Quality of life

6. Social activity

Not everyone likes puzzles, board games, video games, or dance. There’s also evidence that staying socially active will help your brain. People who are social show better performance of overall brain function and memory. 

Perhaps best of all are games that have a social aspect to them. This can take off some pressure for those who are more introverted. 

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Written by:

Jennifer Arnouville, DO, FAAFP

Jennifer Arnouville, DO, FAAFP has been a practicing physician since 2010. For the first 12 years of her career, Dr. Arnouville had a primary care geriatrics practice.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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