New scientific research has delivered compelling evidence that the simple act of playing board games can provide significant and lasting benefits for brain health and cognitive development in both children and adults.
Board Games Sharpen Young Minds
A comprehensive analysis from the University of Oregon, which reviewed 18 previous studies, found a striking 76 per cent chance that number-based board games enhance early numeracy skills in young children. The research, highlighted on Wednesday 14 January 2026, suggests these games are powerful tools for foundational learning.
Gena Nelson, one of the report's lead authors, emphasised that even short play sessions with linear-number board games can lead to marked improvements in crucial maths abilities like counting and number recognition. This offers a fun and accessible way to support childhood education.
Cognitive Benefits for Adults
The advantages are not confined to the nursery or classroom. According to brain and cognition expert Natalie Mackenzie, board games actively benefit adults by honing critical mental faculties.
She explained that gameplay activates key regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. This stimulation leads to tangible improvements in attention span, memory retention, and complex problem-solving skills, providing a workout for the mind that can help maintain cognitive agility.
Inclusive Innovation for Lasting Impact
Building on these findings, researchers are now channeling this knowledge into creating more inclusive resources. Teams are currently developing adaptable number games and specialised storybooks for children with disabilities.
By incorporating successful elements from traditional number board games, these new resources aim to make cognitive benefits accessible to all. Early feedback from parents involved in these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, signalling a promising step forward in educational tools.
The collective evidence makes a strong case for the humble board game's place not just in family entertainment, but as a legitimate and enjoyable contributor to lifelong brain health and learning development.
