We all know we need to stay in good shape, so we have to exercise our bodies. And there's been growing evidence we need to exercise our brains as well, but what works best?
It may look like fun and games, but Cassie Clark is exercising her brain.
"I simply started playing with it just out of curiosity and I discovered it made my memory better," said Clark.
High tech, brain-enhancing software has become all the rage and not just for seniors.
"We have exercises appropriate for people with normal brain function who want to use it to protect their brains today and maintain their cognitive function as well as for people who already are suffering from dementia," said Dan Michel, founder and CEO of Dakim Brain Fitness.
Neurologist Dr. Daniel Kantor says studies have shown a fit brain can delay age-related memory problems.
"That means by spending time with one computerized software or another - it's probably not special about what computerized software - it looks like we can exercise and train your brain for better memory," said Kantor.
But is it the software itself or brain exercise in general? A French researcher found no difference between 10-year-olds who played Nintendo's brain age and those who went to school as usual.
"By working your brain, you probably are going to have a better outcome later in life, but that might not be using complex software. That might be reading books, that might be solving puzzles," said Kantor.
But brain game makers insist their games are more engaging, making people more likely to play.
"Doing it long term and doing it consistently is the key to the success of using brain fitness exercise. Then making it so much fun that people want to do it is essential," said Michel.
Cassie Clark says the games have changed her life for the better.
"If you don't use it, you lose it!" said Clark.
Whether you choose high tech or low tech methods, neurologists say exercising your brain is important. And it's never too early to start.
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