In our" Chemo Brain Recovery Model, mental exercise is a way to restore (and yes, improve) how well your brain performs."  Despite what you may read on the various cancer websites, working crossword puzzles and making lists are not going to help much, if at all."  First of all, keeping lists is an accomodation, not a way to build skills."  Second, it's the repetition of increasingly challenging levels(above your current level, but not too difficult) of the same task that will build new capability.

If you have had a severe case of chemo brain, as I did, the idea of playing games to help your brain is welcome news."  Play one or two games (15-20 minutes per session at most) every day for at least two weeks before adding more games to your repertoire."  Start with one memory game and one of the others.

I have spent several hours researching and reviewing a wide range of games, and have listed the best and most appropriate free games according to skill area."  Don't be intimidated if a game seems challenging at first: every adult over 40 needs some time to understand how to play each game.

Memory Games Online

Simon: The online Simon games are like the hand-held game."  A series of color blocks flashes in a sequence and you are required to memorize the correct sequence, and then click in the identical sequence."  The levels" become increasingly difficult, but are not too difficult because they build on each other." " You have to ignore the "belly fat" ads, though.

Face memory game:"  The University of Washington has a unique face memory game that encourages your brain to" be more perceptive about people's faces as you are encoding them."  This game helped" me a great deal. Note: requires java." 

Concentration game: The classic matching game has a new twist with cute critters.

Working Memory Games Online

The following games develop working memory (the first type of memory to degrade when you are stressed) and other skills, such as" math and recognition.

• Word search: Find the list of words related to a theme
• Hidden object:"  Fun game."  Must find the ninja among the nuns.
• Number hunt: Perform arithmetic as numbers float around a display.
• Sudoku" "  Check our Resources link on the nav bar.

Many thanks! Let us know what works well for you.

"