In a time where people are focused on their health more than ever before, many are seeking out ways to not only improve their physical health, but their cognitive health as well. As a speech-language pathologist, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “Are there any apps that I can download to improve my memory?”

The first line of defense is to speak with your physician about your memory concerns; however, there are other things that can help maintain or improve your cognition. Whether your concerns are related to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, an injury, a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease, or simply trying to maintain or improve your cognition, below are some apps you can download to help address these impairments.

1. The Problem Solve It (available for iPad)

The Problem Solve It app costs $14.99 and was created by speech-language pathologists utilizing evidence-based information. It is designed to help individuals with cognitive impairments that are functional in nature and relate to social communication, management of finances, health, literacy, education, and personal thinking.

2. Constant Therapy (available on the App Store or Google Play)

Constant Therapy is $29.99/month following a free two-week trial. This app has evidence-based interactive therapy activities that were created by a group of neuroscientists and speech-language pathologists from Boston University. Constant Therapy can link an individual’s account with speech-language pathologists so they can review progress, track activity, and assign homework.

3. Fit Brain Trainer (available for App Store or Google Play)

Fit Brain Trainer is free to download and costs $0.99 to access the complete app. The app aims to improve concentration, visualization, calculation, intelligence, and both short-term and visual memory. The main principle is based on the famous pairs matching game, but it further challenges you to not only recall the position of passing cards, but also the main features that unite them, such as math, details, associations, and more.

4. CogniFit (available for App Store or Google Play)

The CogniFit app is $19.99/month or $119.99/year. Developed by neuroscientists, this interactive, mental game app helps stimulate cognitive skills through personalized training. The goal is to evaluate and train cognitive processes such as memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, reasoning, planning, mental agility, coordination, and more.

5. Elevate (available for App Store or Google Play)

Elevate is $4.99/month or $39.99/year. This app won Apple’s App of the Year award and is designed to improve your mind’s focus, memory, speaking abilities, processing speed, and math skills. Elevate creates personalized training over time to maximize results.

6. Peak (available for App Store or Google Play)

Peak is $4.99/month, $24.99 for 6 months, or $34.99 for a year of full access. This app is designed to push you hard with short, intense workouts while challenging your focus, memory, problem-solving, mental agility, and more. A coach will assist you with tracking your progress and challenge you with new workouts to show where you may need to improve in order to continue toward your goals.

It is important to keep in mind that while these apps can be fun and stimulating, apps that are used as external aides are typically identified as the most useful tool to reduce the stress for caregivers responsible for individuals with a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. There is little evidence of the overall long-term benefits of these apps, games on cognition, and the prevention of the development of dementia.

If you or a loved have experienced changes in your cognition, talk to your physician to determine the next steps, or fill out our contact form or call (804) 764-1000 to request a full evaluation from a speech-language pathologist who can determine appropriate interventions.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Connected Pain: How Your Neck May Be Causing Your Headaches

If you have ever dealt with nagging neck pain, you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that roughly half of us will experience a significant episode of neck pain at some point in our lives. Whether it stems from a sudden whiplash injury, age-related changes like arthritis, a pinched nerve, or simply the daily muscle strain of looking down at our phones or computer screens, neck pain is incredibly disruptive. It can present as a dull ache or a sharp, catching pain, and it often robs you of your ability to turn your head comfortably. But there is another common symptom of neck stiffness that surprises many people: headaches.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct, separate professions, each requiring its own specialized education, licensing, and expertise. Because both fields share the ultimate goal of improving a patient’s independence and quality of life, their roles can sometimes seem to overlap.

Aphasia

Aphasia and the Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist

Aphasia (pronounced uh-FEY-zhuh) is the medical term used to describe difficulty with the production and comprehension of language. This can occur after a stroke or other injury to the brain. In addition to speaking, aphasia can also affect listening, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may experience trouble finding the right words and producing intact sentences, which can impact their ability to express themselves as well as having trouble understanding what others are saying to them. In the most severe cases, a person with aphasia may be non-verbal, meaning they are not able to speak at all.

Reframing Your Outlook on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a time dedicated to encouraging older adults to take an active role in their well-being through prevention, wellness, and self-management. Yet despite these empowering goals, aging is still often framed negatively in our society. By shifting how we think about getting older, and about ability more broadly, we can create a more positive, inclusive experience for everyone.

Simple Tips to Stay Active

Staying active doesn’t have to mean long workouts or a packed gym schedule. For most people, it’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. Those small choices—done consistently—can add up to real benefits for your energy, mood, and overall health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.