Brain exercises play a vital role in memory enhancement and stroke recovery by stimulating neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
These targeted exercises—ranging from memory rehabilitation activities to visual processing games and task sequencing—help rebuild neural pathways damaged during a stroke event while improving cognitive function.
Brain exercises work most effectively when practiced consistently through structured sessions, with difficulty levels progressively increasing as recovery advances from early to advanced stages.
Table of Contents
We’ve researched the best methods and brain exercises to try, to improve memory and help with the recovery after a stroke. Memory rehabilitation exercises, visual processing games, and task sequencing rank among the most effective brain exercises for stroke recovery, which stimulate neuroplasticity and rebuild neural pathways damaged during the stroke event. These exercises range from simple board games to compensation strategies, and will hopefully guide you in the right direction to finally gaining mental clarity back.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is reduced or interrupted. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and the nutrients it needs and leads to brain cells dying within minutes.
It is treated as a medical emergency and getting treatment quickly is vital to preventing brain damage and further complications. These treatments can also help prevent disability as a result of a stroke.
There are two different types of stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs as blood clots or another set of particles block blood vessels leading to the brain. Fatty deposits are known as plaque and build up and cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels.
A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel completely bursts inside the brain. Blood starts to build up and this damages the brain tissue in the surrounding area.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke could potentially save someone’s life. Fast treatment is key to lessening any brain damage and to get this treatment you need to know what you’re looking out for.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, leg, or arm (paralysis). This is commonly on one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble seeing out of either one or both of your eyes.
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding basic speech.
- Severe headache without there being a known cause.
- Trouble walking or speaking.
- Slurring your words.
- Loss of balance.
- Dizziness.
- Lack of coordination.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to think ‘FAST’.
- Face: Ask the person if they can smile and see if one side of the face droops.
- Arms: Ask the person if they can raise their arms and see if one arm drifts downward.
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a phrase and see if the speech seems slurred or strange,
- Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 911.
What is Memory Loss?
Memory loss is not only limited to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease but several conditions can cause adults to experience it in their lifetime.
A certain degree of problems with memory and a modest decline in thinking skills comes with aging but when there are significant changes to memory that could be linked to a disorder or Alzheimer’s disease, it becomes more serious. Moreover, some memory problems can be the result of curable conditions.
Memory loss can also be a result of mild cognitive impairment. When this is the case, there is usually a notable decline in thinking skills but doesn’t stop you from performing everyday tasks. This can sometimes also lead to dementia.
There are also some reversible causes of memory loss such as certain medications, a minor head injury, a vitamin deficiency such as Vitamin B-12, an underactive thyroid, alcoholism, emotional disorders, or brain disease. Most of these conditions can be treated.
It’s important to always get a proper diagnosis when it comes to memory loss so that you can find appropriate treatment.
Furthermore, the brain exercises we provide in this article are a great way to exercise your brain and improve your memory with aging. Therefore, although your memory might seem fine, it’s a good idea to include them in your daily routine to minimize the chances of developing memory loss later in life.
Memory Loss After Stroke Recovery
Although we’ve touched on what general memory loss is, a stroke affects memory and cognitive function by damaging brain regions responsible for information processing, storage, and retrieval. Strokes commonly impair working memory, which impacts the brain’s ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information, while also potentially affecting attention, executive function, and information processing speed depending on the location and severity of brain damage.
Fortunately, cognitive rehabilitation and the brain exercises we will be exploring in the next section can improve working memory following a stroke. Cognitive rehabilitation means retraining cognitive functions.
The brain can heal after injury and rewire itself. This process is called neuroplasticity, which serves as the fundamental biological mechanism that allows stroke patients to relearn lost skills by forming new neural connections that bypass damaged brain areas. Neuroplasticity enables stroke survivors to recover functions through consistent practice of targeted brain exercises that strengthen remaining neural pathways.
Neuroplasticity is activated through massed practice. This means to practice a skill over and over again. The brain adapts to the activities that you practice frequently and attempts to improve those skills by strengthening the neural pathways used to perform such activities.
Recovering memory following a stroke involves the massed practice of memory-specific brain exercises (such as the ones that MyBrainTrainer provided), but it’s also worth exploring with a Speech-Language Pathologist. These are professionals who can identify any cognitive impairments you may have following a stroke. They can then create a personalized rehabilitation program that targets your needs.
Best Brain Exercises for Memory and Stroke Recovery
- Memory Rehabilitation Exercises
- Alphabetizing Sentences
- Counting Money
- Visual/Spatial Processing Games
- Mnemonics
- Brain Teasers
- Puzzles
- Task Sequencing
- Hangman or Simple Word Games
- Board Games
- Meditation
Exercise Progression Through Recovery Stages
Recovery from stroke happens in stages, and your approach to brain exercises should evolve accordingly. Here’s how to progress through exercises at different recovery phases:
Early Recovery (1-3 months post-stroke):
- Begin with simple memory exercises like matching 3-4 pairs of cards in concentration games
- Start with 5-10 minute sessions, 2-3 times daily
- Focus on basic visual recognition and attention exercises
Intermediate Recovery (3-6 months):
- Increase complexity by using 8-12 card pairs in concentration games
- Extend sessions to 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily
- Add alphabetizing sentences and simple counting money exercises
Advanced Recovery (6+ months):
- Challenge yourself with full decks in memory games
- Incorporate complex puzzles and multi-step sequencing tasks
- Aim for 20-30 minute sessions, maintaining 2-3 times daily frequency
Remember that neuroplasticity requires consistency. You may notice small improvements within weeks, but significant recovery typically occurs over months of dedicated practice. Don’t be discouraged by plateaus—they’re a normal part of the recovery journey.
Exercise Frequency and Duration Guidelines
For optimal recovery, consistency is more important than intensity. Here are specific recommendations for how often and how long to perform brain exercises:
General Guidelines:
- Aim for 20-30 minutes of focused cognitive exercises, 2-3 times daily
- Schedule sessions when you feel most alert and energetic
- Take a 5-minute break if you feel mental fatigue during a session
- Gradually increase duration as stamina improves
Exercise-Specific Recommendations:
- Memory Rehabilitation Games: 10-15 minutes, daily
- Word and Language Exercises: 10-15 minutes, 3-5 times weekly
- Visual/Spatial Processing: 10 minutes, daily
- Problem-Solving Activities: 15-20 minutes, 3 times weekly
- Meditation: 5-10 minutes, twice daily
Signs It’s Time to Rest:
- Increasing frustration or agitation
- Headache or physical discomfort
- Significant decrease in performance
- Unusual fatigue or drowsiness
Remember that quality matters more than quantity. A focused 10-minute session with full attention is more beneficial than 30 minutes of distracted practice. Balance challenging yourself with avoiding excessive fatigue, which can impede recovery.
Memory Rehabilitation Exercises
Memory rehabilitation exercises encourage neuroplasticity and improve basic cognitive skills after stroke. Concentration card games, Simon sequence memorization, visual recall activities, and spaced repetition techniques all serve as beneficial memory rehabilitation exercises that target different aspects of memory function damaged by stroke. Concentration is a particularly memory-intensive exercise.
To play concentration, you place several pairs of cards face down and flip them over two at a time. When you find two matching cards, you can leave them facing up. Limiting or increasing the pairs of cards in the game can either reduce or intensify the exercise.
Another game in which you can play is called Simon. Simon is an interactive game and involves you memorizing certain sequences. Visual memory skills are required to memorize the sequence which has been illuminated by color.
Alphabetizing Sentences
This can help with analytical reasoning. All you need is paper, a pen, and a reading source. Simply take a sentence, write it down, and then re-write it again but put the words in alphabetical order.
Counting Money
This can help with quantitive reasoning and all you need is a handful of coins. Pop these coins on a table, aim to have around 10-20 different coins, and then count the total value. This will stimulate the brain and help with cognitive ability.
Visual/Spatial Processing Games
Visual and spatial processing is key to cognitive therapy following a stroke. This will include tasks and activities which challenge you to identify a visual difference and where this difference is positioned in a certain space.
Mnemonics
Memory loss can be improved through mnemonic techniques. If it is common names of items or important dates and people you are forgetting, making up a simple rhyme could strengthen memory.
Brain Teasers
Simple brain teasers are a great way of challenging analytical and quantitative reasoning. Examples of brain teasers include Sudoku, word searches, and crosswords.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a great way to reinforce connections between cells in the brain. They can boost short-term memory following a stroke and can help stroke survivors recognize shapes, boost hand-eye coordination and improve their ability to solve problems.
Task Sequencing
If after a stroke you find it overwhelming recalling what to do when it comes to going to bed, for example, task-sequencing exercises can help.
List the steps involved in completing different tasks on a piece of paper, which can include tasks such as getting undressed or brushing your teeth. Cut these steps out and then pop them on the table and put the tasks in order.
Hangman or Simple Word Games
This is a great way of improving basic communication skills following a stroke. The aim is to form words by guessing letters. As you guess the letters, this can offer reminders about common phonics cues that might be able to strengthen reading and spelling skills.
Board Games
Playing board games is a very common activity for those who have suffered from a stroke. This is because they often use maths skills, require you to plan and make you put together simple words. It’s also a great activity when the family is visiting during recovery.
Examples of board games that strengthen brain activity include Checkers, Rush Hour, Connect-4, Scrabble, Monopoly, Rummikub, Mahjong, and memory-matching games. Board games can also promote the use of a range of cognitive skills such as problem-solving and can even alleviate boredom and stress.
Digital Apps and Technology for Stroke Recovery
Modern technology offers powerful tools specifically designed for cognitive rehabilitation after stroke. These digital solutions can complement traditional exercises and provide structured, adaptive training.
Stroke Recovery Apps:
- Constant Therapy and Lumosity offer personalized cognitive exercises that adapt to your progress
- Tactus Therapy provides specialized apps for speech, language, and cognitive rehabilitation
- MindMate offers memory games, brain teasers, and tracking tools designed for cognitive health
Computer-Based Rehabilitation Programs:
- BrainHQ provides scientifically-validated brain training exercises that target processing speed and memory
- CogniFit offers cognitive assessments and personalized training programs
- RehaCom delivers professional cognitive rehabilitation software used in many clinical settings
Smart Devices and Wearables:
- Tablet-based therapy allows for interactive, touch-screen exercises that can be more engaging than paper-based alternatives
- Some smartwatches now include cognitive exercise apps and can help track daily exercise completion
- Virtual reality systems are increasingly being used to create immersive rehabilitation environments
These technology tools offer several advantages, including precise difficulty adjustment, immediate feedback, progress tracking, and often more engaging formats that encourage consistent practice. Many also provide data you can share with healthcare providers to better coordinate your recovery efforts.
Meditation
Meditation has been proven to help improve cognitive function in stroke patients, whilst also alleviating stress and anxiety. It improves attention span, mental flexibility, and how you process information.
You can use apps or YouTube videos to help with the meditation or simply pop on some relaxing music. Redirect your thoughts to one positive thing and this can clear any confusion or stress and promote a clear mind.
Compensation Strategies
Compensation strategies help stroke survivors manage memory issues by adapting daily life patterns rather than directly retraining the brain. Reminder apps, written checklists, visual cues, environmental modifications, and consistent daily routines function as effective compensation strategies that reduce cognitive load and create external memory supports. For example, you could use a reminder app on your phone for important events, set a structured daily schedule, simplify everyday activities such as cooking less complicated meals, or make detailed lists to ensure you remember things like groceries.
Measuring Progress and Tracking Recovery
Tracking your cognitive improvement provides motivation and helps identify which exercises are most effective for your recovery. Here are practical ways to measure your progress:
Simple Assessment Tools:
- Memory Journal: Record daily observations about memory function, noting improvements and challenges
- Exercise Log: Track which exercises you complete, duration, difficulty level, and how you felt afterward
- Task Performance Metrics: Note how many card pairs you remember, words you recall, or puzzle pieces you place correctly
- Time-Based Measurements: Record how long it takes to complete specific cognitive tasks and watch for improvements
Progress Tracking Methods:
- Take weekly photos of completed puzzles or games to visually see improvement
- Use a 1-10 scale to rate your performance on specific cognitive tasks each week
- Set small, achievable goals (like remembering a grocery list with 5 items, then 7, then 10)
- Record voice memos describing your daily activities to later test recall
- Ask a family member to note observed improvements you might not recognize yourself
Digital Tracking Options:
- Many cognitive rehabilitation apps include built-in progress tracking
- Calendar apps can be used to record daily exercise completion
- Spreadsheet templates can help visualize progress over time
Share these records with your healthcare providers to help them adjust your rehabilitation plan. Remember that recovery isn’t always linear—some days will show more progress than others. Focus on the overall trend rather than day-to-day fluctuations.
Home Exercises vs. Clinical Rehabilitation Programs
While many brain exercises can be performed independently at home, some aspects of cognitive rehabilitation benefit from professional guidance. Understanding which exercises to do where can optimize your recovery.
Exercises Safe for Home Practice:
- Memory card games like concentration
- Simple puzzles and brain teasers
- Board games with family members
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Task sequencing with familiar activities
- Alphabetizing sentences and word games
Exercises Benefiting from Professional Guidance:
- Complex visual/spatial processing games that require calibrated difficulty
- Specialized cognitive rehabilitation software
- Comprehensive memory assessment and targeted rehabilitation
- Speech therapy exercises for those with aphasia
- Advanced problem-solving tasks requiring expert feedback
A speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist can provide personalized guidance, ensure proper technique, and adjust exercise difficulty as you progress. They can also identify when you’re ready to transition certain exercises from clinical to home settings. For optimal results, combine professional rehabilitation sessions with daily home practice of appropriate exercises.
Product Recommendation
Though we have gone through the best brain exercises for memory and stroke recovery, dietary supplements can support cognitive recovery after stroke by providing nutrients that promote brain healing and neural function. Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, and specialized nootropics may complement rehabilitation exercises when used under medical supervision. Below we’ve listed a couple of our favorites that can help you gain back mental clarity and alertness.
Mind Lab Pro
The Mind Lab Pro was designed to be introduced to your daily routine to help improve mental clarity, focus, mood, and overall brain health.
It guarantees to unlock your ‘A’ game and help you gain back confidence for memory and stroke recovery. After a stroke, this dietary supplement will help you become your sharpest and most productive self in no time at all.
It has been subjected to rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and is scientifically proven to work. After taking your 2-4 capsules daily, in just 30 minutes, you should begin to experience its benefits.
Pros
- Works in 30 minutes
- Helps you gain back the confidence following a stroke
- Sustainable and natural
- Stimulant-free
Cons
- There are possible side effects and these include nausea, headaches, and possible disturbed sleep.
Conclusion
We hope by reading this article you have gained a better understanding of what the best brain exercises are for memory and stroke recovery. While spontaneous memory recovery following a stroke is possible, rehabilitation and incorporating brain exercises into your life is the best way to improve the outcome and gain your memory back.
The cognitive training exercises above need to be practiced regularly to see results and if you are still struggling following a stroke, consider exploring dietary supplements like those mentioned above.
Additionally, consider researching a speech-language pathologist for the best results, and as long as you know you are including brain therapy regularly in your day-to-day life, your chances of recovery remain high.