If you struggle with attention issues, executive function, and other symptoms of ADHD, is brain training going to be useful to you? Brain training ADHD through working memory training, computerised cognitive training, and various brain games may be beneficial for many people as a form of ‘ADHD therapy’, but there are many factors to take into consideration before making a decision.
Anyone who has researched the impact of cognitive exercises will have found that there is evidence for brain training working to help with many areas of brain function. However, is it possible to do attention training, among other exercises, as cognitive training for ADHD adults and children to improve symptoms?
What Exactly Is Brain Training?
Also called cognitive training, brain training is typically a series of activities that are designed to keep our brains active and either maintain or improve various cognitive processes including attention, focus, and cognitive flexibility. The idea of brain training is based on the ‘use it or lose it’ principle: if you don’t use and strengthen key neural pathways, they will become weaker and cognitive function will reduce over time.
Although the hope of this activity is far transfer (where the activities improve the outcome of other unrelated tasks), most brain training is successful with near transfer, allowing a person to improve in similar tasks to what the brain training aids with.
Brain training can come in many different forms to suit different people, with options that both use technology, and ones that do not. Computer-based games on a PC or even a phone or tablet are popular, as are guided exercises, so there is something for everyone.
Brain training can help to improve the following cognitive functions when done consistently:
- Reading skills
- Auditory processing
- Visual processing
- Logic and reasoning
- Memory and recall
- Processing speed
- Attention and focus
- Cognitive flexibility
How Might Brain Training Help ADHD?
Brain training can help with some aspects of ADHD, such as working memory and attention or focus, if the correct activities and methods are used. For a measurable impact, it will need to be done consistently and long-term.
Choosing the right activities to help improve areas of cognitive function is crucial, as near transfer will allow the participant to improve on similar tasks to the one they practice in brain training. For brain training ADHD, the focus will be on improving memory and attention.
Are There Different Types of Brain Training?
Of all brain training methodologies, Computerised Cognitive Training shows the most promise for ADHD. This is because it targets key cognitive areas that individuals with ADHD struggle with, such as attention and memory. However, depending on the age group, other methodologies such as Physical-Cognitive / Exercise-Based Training could be a good option, as it appears to be promising for children in particular, though more studies need to be done.
Brain Training Method | Cognition(s) Targeted | Strengths | Limitations |
Working Memory Training | Verbal & visuospatial working memory | Domain-specific gains are evidenced | Lack of far transfer evidence |
Computerised Cognitive Training | Inhibition, attention, memory, and processing speed |
Highly scalable | Impact on daily life uncertain; small effect on symptoms |
Multiple-Component Executive Training | Flexibility, inhibition, working memory | Very broad scope | No clear superiority vs focused training |
Physical-Cognitive / Exercise-Based Training | Executive function and working memory | Effect sizes are promising | Focus on younger participants; fewer studies done |
What Does the Research Say About Brain Training and ADHD?
With the help of rigorous testing and neurofeedback, we have been able to learn a lot about brain training ADHD over the years and come to a conclusion: brain training can help with some symptoms of ADHD, but it is not a ‘cure’. For the best results, brain training should be done alongside other techniques to help reduce symptoms and build focus.
A recent meta-analysis by Zou et al., (2024) found that cognitive training was effective in improving symptoms of executive function and attention in children with ADHD compared to a control group. However, there was no significant difference in impulsivity and hyperactivity compared to the control. This analysis also uncovered that cognitive training was especially useful in children under 10 years old who underwent brain training for more than 30 days.
More recently in 2025, a study done by Lintas, Bader, and Villa suggested that working memory was significantly improved in young adults with ADHD by using the dual N-back task. However, this study did not include any participants with psychiatric comorbidities, allowing for more research to be done in this area.
With that being said, there is older research that suggests that brain training is not effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Of course, due to the ever-evolving nature of science, it is important to always look at the most recent data when coming to a conclusion.
What Types of Brain Training Exercises Work Best for Attention Difficulties?
For brain training ADHD, consider the following:
- Working Memory Training – particularly with the use of adaptive dual n-back tasks, studies have noted an improvement in executive control, conflict, and working memory. Adaptive tasks overall provide stronger results due to the tailored nature of the tasks
- Neurofeedback/Brain-Computer Interface – real-time feedback provides key insights and was found to help reduce symptoms of inattention
- Targeted Conflict/Executive Control Tasks – this involves training that emphasises conflict resolution, switching, or inhibition, and appears to improve aspects of attention including reducing slow, extreme responses.
Who Can Benefit from Brain Training: Children, Adults, or Both?
Brain training ADHD can benefit both adults and children, and research has provided insights into a wide variety of age groups. However, it looks like children benefit more from brain training that focuses on ADHD symptoms, while adults (particularly older adults) typically benefit more from wider brain training as a preventative measure for cognitive decline.
In order for brain training to be effective in any case, training must be extensive and done over a long period of time, while the individual also gets additional support they need. Overall, brain training is not a ‘cure all’ solution, and should be used alongside other strategies such as coaching and potentially medication to reduce symptoms where necessary.
How to Choose a Product or Provider for Brain Training
If you think brain training ADHD would be beneficial to you or your child, we would love to hear from you at The Brain Workshop. We understand that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and we’re eager to help everyone. With our no-tutoring approach, we can help to train your brain with a personalised one-on-one method to allow us to cater to every individual’s needs and tap into hidden potential through expertise.
Here at The Brain Workshop, we offer brain training to both adults and children of all ages, with the aim of using our dynamic methods to rapidly improve learning abilities without taking the fun out of it. We are dedicated to turning weaknesses into strengths, and helping everyone achieve their full potential to get the most out of life.
If you are interested in signing up for brain training at The Brain Workshop, you can expect this process while working with us:
- Assessment – a thorough assessment is completed to determine the root cause of any learning challenges you may be experiencing
- Targeted training – weak cognitive skills are targeted and turned into strengths through our personalised strategies and expert experience
- Progress monitoring – improvements and documented and tracked through regular re-assessments so that we can alter our approaches to allow you to get the most out of brain training
- Long-term benefits – you can apply newfound skills to daily life and enjoy the lasting impact of brain training through success and an easier life
How The Brain Workshop Can Help You
Ready to take control of your attention and support your ADHD brain? Book a free consultation with The Brain Workshop today to explore our tailored brain-training programmes and find out how we can help you build focus, improve executive function and live more confidently by brain training ADHD.
Learn more about us at the Brain Workshop, meet our team, check out events, or even read our FAQ. Or, if you want to see our real-world impact, read our success stories and learn more about our training resources.
