Does Computerized Brain Training Help?

Does Computerized Brain Training Help?

Author: Josh Turknett, MD January 30, 2026 Duration: 29:31

In this episode, we dig into a recent McGill University study on computerized cognitive training and its effects on brain chemistry in older adults.

What you'll learn:

  • Why certain brain training games reversed a decade of age-related cognitive decline in just 10 weeks—and how researchers finally measured actual biological changes in the brain

  • The critical difference between activities that genuinely enhance your brain versus mental junk food like Candy Crush or Solitaire

  • The single organizing principle you can use to evaluate whether any cognitive activity is actually helping your brain or wasting your time

 

To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question.

To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness.

To learn more about how you can boost brain fitness with neuroscience-based musical instruction, head to brainjo.academy

Intro and Outro music composed and produced by Julienne Ellen

 


What does it really mean to have a fit brain, and how do we actually achieve it? That’s the central question explored in Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production), a conversation guided by neurologist Dr. Josh Turknett and neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood. Moving beyond generic advice, each episode digs into the practical, often surprising science of cognitive longevity. You’ll hear discussions that translate complex research into actionable strategies, covering everything from nutrition and sleep to movement and mental challenge. The aim isn’t just about preventing decline, but actively building a resilient, high-performing mind that supports your passions and daily life. This podcast operates on the principle that our brain’s health is malleable at any age, and that understanding the underlying mechanisms empowers us to make better choices. Tune in for a nuanced look at how lifestyle intersects with neurology, stripping away the hype to focus on what evidence suggests truly works. It’s a resource for anyone curious about taking a proactive, informed role in their own cognitive well-being, ensuring the brain remains a robust partner for all the years ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production)
Podcast Episodes
14: How Much Alcohol Is Too Much For The Brain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:48
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
13: Are screens harming the brains of our kids? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
12: Is eating meat bad for your brain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:54
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
11: How do you promote healthy sleep? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
Today we have a special guest on the podcast, Dr. Dan Pardi, founder and CEO of humanOS. Listen here to Dr. Pardi's TEDx Talk, "How To Optimize Light For Health." To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go…
10: What is Cognitive Frailty? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:17
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
9: Dr. Tommy Wood's Daily Routine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:42
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
8: Are hearing aids a good idea? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:38
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
7: Dr. Wood's Favorite Brain Supplement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:43
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
6: When is forgetfulness a cause for concern? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:09
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
5: What supplements are best for brain health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:51
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…