What Are the Different Types of Cognition Games?

Cognition games serve many purposes and come in many varieties. They can be used in cognitive behavioral therapy or to assist with specialized training and skill retention. Types of cognition games can include card games, computer games, or role-playing. Puzzles and various brain teasers are additional cognition activities. Word games assist with the improvement and exercise of an array of cognitive functions.

A vast number of computer-based cognition games have been developed around the world. They range from simple memory and retention training activities to highly complex and specialized simulations or tasks. Astronauts, air traffic controllers, and similar professions employ cognitive tools to assist in the training of new skills and to maintain skills that are not consistently utilized. Individuals can play cognition games to enhance their own mental capacity, memory, and retention skills. Reaction times are also improved with regular brain exercises.

Therapists utilize cognition games to help treat or alleviate the symptoms of a number of illnesses. For example, Alzheimer's patients, people with learning disabilities, and people suffering from an array of mental illnesses can benefit from exercising the brain and stimulating neurological activity. Role-playing is primarily beneficial in therapeutic applications, assisting people in training the brain to react to thoughts and situations in new and different manners.

Brain teasers and puzzles are perhaps the most commonly known type of cognition game. Logic puzzles, crosswords, and word searches are some simple games to help strengthen the mind. Other examples that fit into this category are quizzes and visual comparison activities. Puzzle-type games help with different skills like spatial recognition and vocabulary development. Many of these types of cognition games can be played with either physical media such and pen and paper or a deck of cards or with technology such as a hand-held device or a personal computer.

Video games are often used to improve hand-eye coordination, and some facilitate additional cognition activities. With the advent of the Internet, websites have been built dedicated to cognition games. Games can be found to test observation and retention skills, to improve mental processing speeds, and to improve cognitive control.

Engaging in regular brain exercise through games designed for increasing cognitive skills and functions has been shown to be beneficial in a number of ways. The therapeutic benefits are constantly being studied, and as more data are acquired, cognitive exercises will adapt as needed. Research continues to fine-tune forms of entertainment to serve as forms of exercise.