Study Finds “Dual N-Back” Brain Training Method Significantly Improves Memory and Attention

Johns Hopkins University researchers have discovered that one brain-training method is significantly better at improving memory and attention than others. The study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, found that the “dual n-back” method resulted in more significant changes in brain activity and improved working memory by 30 percent.

Lead author Kara J. Blacker emphasized the importance of choosing the right type of brain training exercise, stating that this particular task showed the most consistent results and impact on performance. The study compared different brain exercises and measured participants’ brain activity before and after training, a method that had never been attempted before.

Participants in the study practiced the “dual n-back” exercise, which involves remembering a constantly updating sequence of visual and auditory stimuli. The results showed that this exercise not only improved working memory but also led to significant changes in brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for higher learning.

The researchers believe that understanding why the “dual n-back” method is so effective at improving working memory could lead to the development of more targeted and effective brain training programs. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions in strengthening cognition and the brain.

The next step for the researchers is to further investigate the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of the “dual n-back” method and explore ways to enhance its effectiveness for potential clinical use. This study sheds light on the potential of targeted brain training exercises to improve cognitive performance and brain function.