What your brain does not need: more Candy Crush. What your brain does need: stronger focus, longer memory, and more organized thoughts. Apps like Lumosity and Elevate are not scientifically proven to strengthen ADHD brains across the board, however some people find that they help in certain areas of weakness. Here are some of the most popular apps.
A depiction of the brain and the many apps that can help it grow, like lumosity.
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Mobile Apps for Building Focus and Memory
For the ADHD brain, focus is like a muscle that needs routine exercise to grow stronger. Though some brain-training apps claim to improve focus, memory, and cognition through habitual use, research shows that their real-world impact on ADHD symptoms is slight. Still, many ADDitude readers find that mobile apps designed to improve memory, concentration, and organization skills are a better use of their time and energy than, say, social media. Here are a few of their favorites.
CogniFit starts with a quick quiz to assess your cognitive abilities, then personalizes activities to challenge your mind and train your brain. ADHDers will benefit from emphasis on key abilities like focus, memory, and attention. Competitive? You can challenge your friends and earn “Neurons” to track your progress.
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CogniFit Brain Fitness
CogniFit (iOS; free) starts with a quick quiz to assess your cognitive abilities, then personalizes activities to challenge your mind and train your brain. People with ADHD may appreciate the emphasis on key abilities like focus, memory, and attention. Competitive? You can challenge your friends and earn “Neurons” to track your progress.
Elevate is a great app for people with ADHD
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Elevate Training App
Based on scientific research by experts in neuroscience and cognitive learning, Elevate (iOS, Android; free) promises to improve cognitive skills through regular training sessions. Each user receives a personalized training program that adjusts over time to maximize results. Trouble focusing? No problem. The personalized daily workouts will help you improve the skills that need the most help — like memory, processing speed, or comprehension.
Lumosity is a great app for people with ADHD
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Lumosity Brain Training Programs
Designed by neuroscientists to improve cognitive skills, Lumosity (iOS, Android; free) creates a personalized training program to challenge your brain in the areas you care about. The app uses dozens of games to target a wide variety of skills including ADHD trouble spots such as memory, focus, and problem solving.
MindNode is a great app for people with ADHD
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MindNode for Visual Thinkers
Your ADHD brain is filled with great ideas, but you have a hard time connecting them together. MindNode (iOS; $9.99) can help by creating “mind maps” — visual representations of how your ideas fit into a larger project. Create a new “node,” or idea, with the tap of your finger — and drag to connect it to other nodes. Your thoughts will be organized in an intuitive way, helping you work towards a larger goal.
