Want a Sharper Mind? Science Says Skip the Brain-Training Apps

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Many people search for quick ways to boost their IQ, but experts warn that commercial brain-training apps rarely deliver on their promises of lasting cognitive gains. IQ is a test score influenced by factors like sleep, anxiety, and practice effects, making it an unreliable daily measure of intelligence. Research by Simons et al. (2016) and Melby-Lervåg and colleagues found little evidence that working-memory or brain-training programs transfer to general intelligence. In contrast, consistent sleep, physical exercise, reading challenging material, and practicing real-world skills show more reliable cognitive benefits. Experts recommend focusing on a specific hard skill with measurable output rather than chasing a higher test score through unproven apps.

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