Even if you begin brain exercise games at an easy level, they can be quite challenging. Together with Dr. Torkel Klingberg, a Swedish neuroscientist, Dr. Jaeggi developed training games based on the N-back test, which challenges a person’s recall for something learned earlier.

That something learned could be a particular sound, picture, or playing card.

For instance, a person might be asked to remember the location of a color or tone presented just before (1-back), or the time before last (2-back), or the time just before that (3-back).

To build even more brain muscle, neuroscientists developed the dual N-back task, where you are presented with two stimuli to remember at the same time.

As you hear a sound you might also see an image and be asked to remember both later.

Keep in mind that for these games to work, you need to begin at a comfortable level and train gradually.

Also, you need to understand that most video games on the market are not likely to train working memory in a way that will transfer improvements to everyday problem solving.

You can also download a version of a dual N-back task game for your smartphone or tablet by searching online for “IQ Boost.”