““About the only uncontested effect of cognitive training is that training in a specific area improves performance in that area but does not transfer to other cognitive tasks. Even learning to memorize long lists of numbers doesn’t help one learn to memorize long lists of letters. “Practice improves specific skills, not general abilities.” So, put down that Sudoku, unless your goal is to get better at doing Sudoku or you just like doing it. If you’re trying to exercise your brain, you’d do better to take a brisk walk.””