5 Apps That Help Improve Memory and Overall Cognition

Just as the human body’s functions begin to slow as we get older, our mental processes decline in a similar fashion. Imagine that!
It’s something we see every day in our daily routines. Where’d I leave my keys? When is that conference? What’s that word…? But, like with any other muscle in the human body, a little exercise, repetition and practice, can improve those mental processes that are starting to slack.
Brain training is no longer a chore with these five apps (listed in no particular order).
1.Brain Trainer – iOS
Brain Trainer is one of the most popular mobile brain trainers around for the iPhone and iPad (it looks really good on the iPad). It features 10 different games designed to improve your cognitive abilities, including memory, processing speed, attention, mental flexibility, and problem solving. It takes just a few minutes each day to complete a session, with 35 total sessions. All you need to do is complete one session per day to make your way to better overall brain health.
2.Portrait Health Brain Teasers – iOS
Portable Health Brain Teasers by Healthy Life Labs tests you in five areas: word skills, critical thinking, memory, visual perception and coordination. This app rolls out new updates regularly, so when you get through the initial tests, you can continue to turn that brain age around.
3.Memory Trainer – Android

Memory Trainer is one of the most popular and effective brain training apps on the Android market. After T-Mobile dropped the Samsung Galaxy S3 and I picked mine up, I downloaded this one immediately. With fun exercises, this app works out your spatial and working memory, focus, chunking and concentration skills. It also boasts “N-back,” which is a continuous performance task that has been proven to increase fluid intelligence.
4.Brain Workout – Android
Brain Workout has the most colorful interface of any of the apps on this list, bringing back memories of similar games that were popular when we were children. But don’t let that fool you – This app has four games that are sure to sharpen your brain, tracking your memory, concentration, reaction and accuracy abilities.
5.Brainscape – iOS
Brainscape is unique in that it’s not a series of games that help improve cognition and memory. It helps users learn specific subject matter, optimizing their study time, and it’s not only on the web. Brainscape has a mobile app that reflects the same education platform used on the web, helping users learn any subject as efficiently as possible. I could have used this for my GRE Vocabulary test… And, as you’ve come to expect from Brainscape, it’s based on solid cognitive science.
So, go! Become the sharpest tool in the shed!