Brain-training games remain unproven, but research shows what sorts of activities do benefit cognitive functioning

Brain-training games sell themselves as a way to maintain cognitive function, but the evidence isn't there yet. Eva-Katalin/E+ via Getty Images

Some 2.3 million of U.S. adults over 65 – more than 4% – have a diagnosis of dementia. But even without a diagnosis, a certain amount of cognitive decline is normal as age sets in.

And whether it’s due to fear of cognitive decline or noticing lapses in cognition when we are stressed, many of us have had moments when we thought we could use an extra cognitive boost.