Brain Games for People Living With MS

Have you ever tried one of those brain training apps on your phone? Have you ever wondered if you should? You are not alone. With up to 65% of people with MS experiencing some form of cognitive change, many are looking for ways to exercise their brain and prevent cognitive decline. Cognitive training games are one of the most asked-about interventions you can try from home. 

The good news? There is some solid evidence that certain brain games and cognitive training programs can make a real difference. Let’s look at what the studies in MS have demonstrated and how that might apply to you. 

Not All Brain Games Are Created Equal 

Below are a few specific programs that have been studied using clinical trials with people who have MS: 

There are many other brain games available and advertised, but without research specifically in MS, it’s difficult to know whether they offer the same benefits. That said, most brain games are unlikely to be harmful, so if something else catches your interest, it’s a personal choice whether to try it. The programs listed above simply have the strongest evidence behind them. 

What Can Brain Games Actually Improve?

A comprehensive review of 20 clinical trials with nearly 1,000 participants found that computerized cognitive training predominantly demonstrated improvements in the following areas:  

• Processing Speed (how quickly you take in and use information) 

• Verbal and Visual Memory  

• Attention (your ability to stay focused on tasks) 

• Executive Function (planning, problem-solving, emotional control, mental flexibility) 

Do These Skills Transfer to Real Life?

Some critics of brain games argue that they just make you better at the games themselves, and there is data to support that position. This is why not every brain game is created equal. It’s important to identify and use games that have been designed to improve life skills and have demonstrated that ability in MS studies.  

Fortunately, the cognitive training games listed above have shown some real-life benefits in MS, including: 

• Reduced fatigue, one of the most common and frustrating MS symptoms 

• Better quality of life  

• Improved confidence in cognitive abilities 

• Less work absenteeism 

• Better emotional well-being, as evidenced by reduced depression and anxiety symptoms 

Importantly, people using these brain games described the sense that their memory felt better in daily life, not just on tests. 

Setting Realistic Expectations

With all this good news, it’s also important to set realistic expectations so you won’t be disappointed with the results. Brain games are not magic. They will not turn back the clock or erase cognitive challenges completely. You may still have frustrating moments, memory lapses, forgotten words, or days when your brain feels foggy. 

Think of cognitive training like physical therapy for your brain. The goal is to: 

• Strengthen the abilities you have 

• Help maintain function over time 

• Potentially slow future decline 

One additional important note: benefits tend to fade without continued practice. This is not a “do it once and you are done” situation. Regular, ongoing practice matters, just like with exercise and physical therapy. Therefore, it’s important to find a game that is interesting and enjoyable for you.  

If the games above aren’t a good fit, other ways to keep your brain active and engaged can be just as beneficial. Talking to a cognitive rehabilitation specialist (such as a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or neuropsychologist) can help you find alternative ways to exercise your brain. 

Brain Games Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While the research on brain games is encouraging, cognitive health is about more than any single app or program. The best approach combines multiple strategies: 

• Physical exercise (studies show combining movement with cognitive training may boost results) 

• Social connection (engaging with others keeps your brain active in ways games cannot) 

• Learning new skills (learning something new creates fresh neural connections and challenges your brain in ways that routine activities don’t. Examples include learning a new language, crocheting, painting, or exploring AI tools) 

• Engaging experiences (visiting museums, attending concerts, watching a documentary, reading a book, exploring new places) 

• Meaningful pursuits (hobbies, volunteer work, passion projects that give you purpose) 

Just like your physical health, if you only focus on one aspect (like eating vegetables) but ignore the rest, you may not get the full benefit. When you combine multiple strategies, your overall health improves. The same is true for your cognition. Brain games are one strategy, but all the strategies listed above can also help maintain and improve cognitive health.   

The Bottom Line

Brain games backed by research can be a valuable tool in your cognitive health toolkit. Programs like BrainHQ, HappyNeuron, and RehaCom have real science behind them showing benefits for people with MS. 

But remember, these are tools to help you maintain and improve function, not miracle cures. The most powerful approach combines cognitive training with physical activity, social engagement, and a life filled with learning and meaningful experiences. 

Your brain is remarkable in its ability to adapt and strengthen, even in the face of MS. Every time you challenge it, you are investing in your cognitive future.