PAC Lab Article Written By Brittany Armstrong
From quick brain games on a smartphone to detailed sleep and stress metrics on a smartwatch, there is a growing world of user‑friendly technology designed to support brain health. It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting comfortable with gadgets or a seasoned smartphone user. A variety of tools are available to measure, track, and manage your brain health. Here’s how to get started with brain games and exercises, health trackers, and digital memory aids.
Brain Games and Exercises
There are tools that use games to exercise memory, processing speed, and problem‑solving skills. Many free smartphone apps are available for iOS and Android, including matching games, number and word games (like Sudoku and Scrabble), coloring apps, puzzles, and sorting games. There are also several subscription apps. Elevate (iOS, Android) provides personalized training in reading, writing, and math reasoning. Lumosity (iOS, Android, Web) offers short daily “brain workouts” with puzzles and memory tasks. BrainHQ (iOS, Android, Web) uses exercises backed by research to improve processing speed. Many paid apps offer a free trial, so it’s a good idea to try them before committing.
Health Trackers
Modern fitness trackers and smartwatches do more than count steps; many monitor factors closely tied to brain health such as sleep quality and heart rate variability (HRV). Popular choices include Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin devices—all of which sync to easy‑to‑read smartphone apps.
Digital Memory Aids
Forgetful moments can be frustrating, but apps can help. Calendar and reminder apps (Google Calendar, Apple Reminders, Microsoft To Do) let you set repeating alerts for medications, appointments, or brain‑boosting activities. Voice Assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) can announce reminders out loud—perfect if you’re busy cooking or gardening. Note‑Taking Tools (Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep) keep all your lists, photos of labels or receipts, and voice memos in one place, searchable by keyword.
When getting started with brain health apps or devices, there are a few things to keep in mind. You don’t need every app or device. Pick one or two that feel comfortable and go from there. Take advantage of free trials to find the best fit, and review privacy policies to make sure your data is stored securely. Also, it is important to remember that these tools do not provide a medical diagnosis. They are designed for wellness and fun. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to a healthcare provider.
Technology can transform brain health from a vague goal into a series of clear, trackable actions—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Download a free trial of a brain exercise app, sync up your sleep tracker, or set a reminder for your next walk. Your brain will thank you!
