"Memory Match" works at improving your working memory, an important factor in many cognitive processes. You have to memorize (and retain) what symbol has moved across your sight and try to match it to the third symbol that is shown. The different shapes disappear after they are shown so this is a very challenging exercise.
"MoneyComb" is designed to exercise and improve working memory and attention. The game involves remembering the location of multiple types of coins on a honeycomb-style board. You also have to find them in order of presentation that becomes increasingly difficult.
"Chalkboard Challenge" is designed to train and improve your processing speed and arithmetic reasoning. You must quickly solve math equations as they become increasingly difficult. Speed and accuracy give you more points.
Overall, I think that Lumosity is one of the most clinically relevant games I have ever seen. The idea that one can practice cognitive skill sets to improve the normal signs of aging that decrease mental capacity is vital to one's quality of life.
I would have liked to see some studies on any population to be able to quote information on normative data, validity, and reliability. However, any clinician who is able to norm this on their own populations should do so. I truly believe that playing games such as these, much like doing crossword puzzles, improves the cognitive decline that is inherent in the aging process.
In addition, my children and my father played these games and became addicted to them. For some reason, the bird watching game, while VERY challenging, is the favorite across five decades of participants!
This game is not rated by the ESRB.
Article comments
1 - Gene Venable
I would like to see a comparison between these sorts of activities and jogging. I have a feeling that jogging is better for long-term maintenance and improvement of brain functions. I am finding the Lumosity site fun, but I find many of the suppositions it encourages to be questionable. I would also like to see comparative benefits between Lumosity and learning a language,computer or foreign, take your pick! I suspect that any of the activities I listed are at least as good as Lumosity, and they are probably cheaper.