While the science of Lumosity's brain trainer (and brain training in general) is still up for debate, some researchers maintain that the timed exercises really do stretch your cognitive abilities — and that the benefits are, in fact, transferable to the rest of your life.
A splashy 2008 study suggested that training your short-term memory could gain you lasting IQ points. But those findings haven't been replicated, and other studies suggest that all brain training games do is improve your skill at playing brain training games.
But even the skeptics aren't necessarily convinced that the games have no merit, and some scientists stand by the idea that at least some methods of brain training could have a real effect.
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