30 Minutes a day of Brain Training Games Improves Cognition

Summary: Better Focus and Memory with Brain Training Games

A study published in October 2025 shows that playing digital games (cognitive brain training games) increases the output of a neurortransmitter known as acetylcholine which has a positive effect on memory, focus, and attention. As little as 30 minutes a day over 10 weeks can counteract the natural decrease in acetylcholine production caused by age and reverse one decade of decline. (1)

30 minutes of brain games a day can keep your brain focused

This study confirms that half an hour a day of mental training exercises improves cognition, foucus and mental agility.

Cognitive Training

Mouna Attarha and team published a scientific study that shows how brain training games, which they call exercises, in an analogy with physical exercises, produces biological changes in the The cholinergic system.

This system is a network of nerve cells that use a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh) to transmit nerve signals across the brain and the body.

The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in many brain functions including memory, arousal, attention, regulation of the digestive system, heart rate and blood pressure.

As we age, the cholinergic system's structure and function declines gradually by around 2.5% per decade.

Dedicating 30 minutes a day to playin exercise-games that train the brain can slow down the decline caused by aging.

This could have a positive effect on concentration and mental agility as you age.

Playing digital games to train the brain stimulate the production of acethycholine which improves memory and learning abilities.

The 2.3% increase in [acetylcholine] observed over the 10-week intervention is comparable in magnitude, but opposite in direction, to the estimated 2.5% decline in anterior cingulate [acetylcholine] per decade of aging. Attarha M, de Figueiredo Pelegrino A, et al. (2025)(1)

The Study

92 adults aged 65 years and over practiced brain training games for 30 minutes a day during 10 weeks. Their brain activity was monitored using positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and a radioactive tracer to measure the production of acetylcholine before, during, and after the study.

Those who trained their brain had a 2.3% increase in their ACh output in brain áreas linked to attention, memory and executive function. The control group (who didn't use games for brain training but instead played solitaire or a Bricks Breaking Hex, in which players have to remove groups of same-colored bricks) showed no changes.

Not all games are the same

Games that require concentration, quick reaction times, focusing are the best. The cholinergic system is also critical for synaptic plasticity, building and modifying the brain's connections as it learns.

Games that blend sound and visual stimulation, and actívate the brain regions linked to competing and being rewarded are the best.

The games should also become more complex and challenging to "strenghten" the brain, just as you would do with regular muscle training.

The training exercises mentioned in the paper can be used for free at the website of BrainHQ (It is a company so they also offers paid services). Fit-and-Well does not endorse or have any relationship with them or any other company except those mentioned in our Affiliate Disclosure page).

Apparently games like sudoku, solitarie, crossword puzles or Wordle don't provide the same levels of mental effort as the ones used in the study. The lack of a timed deadline, that you can pause them, and the fact that they don't progress with your growing skills make them les challenging.

Games which require thought, planning, and strategy are the most beneficial. Different games also actívate different parts of your brain, so it is a good idea to play a variety of games.

Keeping your brain active with games is good for cognition

Other studies have shown similar outcomes:

• Playing mahong "has a positive influence on the cognitive functioning among older people. It can help buffer against the decline in cognitive function and maintain cognitive function levels." (source)
• " data from ... older adults showed superior Working Memory capacity and distractor-resistance for puzzle gamers, which was equivalent to that of younger adults." (source)

Lifestyle

Other factors yhat can improve concentration includ a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, adequate sleep, exercise, and social activities, regardless of your age.

References and Further Reading

(1) Attarha M, de Figueiredo Pelegrino A, Ouellet L, et al. (2025). Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training on Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter Levels using [18F]Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol Positron Emission Tomography in Healthy Older Adults: Results from the Improving Neurological Health in Aging via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise (INHANCE) Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Serious Games 2025;13:e75161 doi:10.2196/75161