A new study debunks the theory that brain-training games help to boost people's cognitive abilities.

Participants in the BBC study got better at the games, but their general reasoning, memory, and planning abilities did not improve, the investigation found. The study followed 11,430 people—the largest ever investigation, according to BBC News. Results appeared in the journal Nature.

Still, experts said there needs to be more research to find out if cognitive games can help maintain people's brains as they age. The market for electronic brain games for seniors has mushroomed in recent years. Scientists from the Medical Research Council and the Alzheimer's Society designed the games that were tested.

This study has caused a lot of debate. After all we have been told that if we keep our minds stimulated it will help ward off dementia and Alzheimer's. What do you think? More importantly what have you observed in an elder client, friend or relative.