# 40Hz Brain Trainer - AlzLife — user reviews > 44 indexed App Store user reviews of 40Hz Brain Trainer by Alzheimer's Light, rated 4.60/5 from 282 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/40hz-brain-trainer-alzlife/id1327175926/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/40hz-brain-trainer-alzlife/id1327175926.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 224 · 4★ 24 · 3★ 14 · 2★ 10 · 1★ 10 ## What do users think of 40Hz Brain Trainer? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🧠 Enhances cognitive skills - 💡 Science-backed 40Hz therapy - 🎮 Fun and varied games - 😊 Positive impact on memory - 👍 Helpful for anxiety and sleep - 👨‍⚕️ Recommended by medical professionals - 🚀 Fast word finding improvement - ✨ Makes users feel proactive - 💯 Great for brain health - 🌟 Indispensable for cognitive decline **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches - 📱 Device compatibility issues - 💰 High subscription cost - 📚 Books not downloading - 🤔 Confusing game instructions - 👎 Poor user experience/interface - 💸 Perceived as a cash grab - 😩 Frustrating page number issues - 🚫 No sound on newer iPhones - ⚠️ 30Hz instead of 40Hz reported **Commonly reported bugs** - Page numbers messed up in books - Editing has spelling mistakes/letter salad - App says 30Hz instead of 40Hz - App won't launch after 2 weeks - Contact option on website broken (previously) - Spider Solitaire incorrectly states no moves left - Newer iPad Pros not supported (initially) - Books never download - No sound on iPhone 17 Pro Max **Most requested features** - Options for different background music - Update puzzle/shapes game - Provide answers for 'Canvie' game - Stop using abbreviations in games - Add instructions for games - Second user profile/caregiver mode - Reset progress tracker - Two-player game modes - Option to turn off repetitive music - Ability to select music for light therapy ## Newest reviews (13 of 44) ### 4/5 — Fun Brain Health *2025-04-12* Generally, this is a really great app. It can occasionally be a little buggy and that would worry me for someone who’s already having cognition issues. But the games are fun and I think the science is out that 40 Hz sound and light can have a positive effect on the brain. And playing games is good for the brain, so what’s not to like? ### 2/5 — Doesn’t work with 2024 iPad Pros *2024-08-09* The App Support website says that the new iPad pros are supported, but the app says they aren’t and you only get 30hz light. The app was updated last a year ago. They probably only need to update their database, but maybe they’ve stopped supporting this app? Unfortunately, the Contact option on the website requires you to complete a nonexistent recaptia, so you can’t contact them to ask if they’re still supporting the app. **Developer response:** Dear Steve, Thank you for your review! Please disable the 'Low Power Mode' to experience 40Hz light. ### 3/5 — Still needs work *2024-08-05* Provides the advertised light and sound. But various problems. Books never download, so aren’t available. Some games have annoying repetitive music that can’t be turned off without just turning off the sound on your device. Most don’t have detailed enough descriptions to allow you to play if you didn’t already know how. Some (such as Spider Solitaire) sometimes tell you there are no moves left when there are. **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! Book may take several minutes to download. Larger books, such as author collections take longer to download. ### 4/5 — Maybe it works, sure looks like a cash grab. *2024-01-06* Claims ‘all proceeds go to alzheimer’s research’. Okay, where?MIT, where the idea came from? There is another app with similar light and sounds at $3 lifetime this app is $200, lifetime, $10 a month or $80/year. Yes it has a lot of games. Most you can play free on line. I play Sudoku on line, free at all levels. The free games on this app are for 4 year olds. Hoping for MIT to offer an app, THAT I could trust. ### 3/5 — Not the cure all we had hoped for *2023-12-24* We have been using this app for my mom for over 9 months - at least an hour a day and haven’t missed a day. She has completed over 386 hours and 21,000 games in that time. While it has help to relieve anxiety and improve sleep it hasn’t helped with short term memory or retaining how to perform daily activities. We are grateful for what it has helped her with but disappointed it hasn’t helped with memory and performing daily activities- which is steadily declining. Hopefully others will see better results than my mom. ### 2/5 — I love the idea and the science but… *2023-08-08, version 1.14.1* The user experience and user interface need serious improvement. ### 5/5 — Great app that anyone above 55y should consider for its excellent convenience, and power. *2023-07-24, version 1.13.7* I recommend to all of my patients above 55, and have recommended to my fellow neurologists and family docs. Optimal use combines an iPad Pro of recent vintage as described in instructions. It can be supplemented with a YouTube app for 40Hz hifi sound, headphones and the 40Hz light in the app. Try the Mahjong. ### 5/5 — amazing *2023-07-17* i’m 74. over the past several years, i’ve noticed “senior moments” a couple times per month. e.g. i’d go to the kitchen and then not remember what i was going to get. this isn’t a big deal really. that’s happened occasionally most of my life. but it’s been more frequent recently. i read about the 40 hz phenomenon in some science publication and built my own 40 hz sawtooth wave generator in software. i used it several hours per day for about a week. i noticed no particular effect from using it but... it’s been more than 6 months since then and i’ve not had a single “senior moment” since then. i now use this app instead of the 40 hz file i created. i’m not sure how often to use it now because, i still haven’t had any “senior” episodes so i do it occasionally. ### 5/5 — ALZLIFE review *2023-03-12* I’ve been using the ALZLIFE app for 6 years. And it’s the best thing I’ve ever spent money on. It’s been a game changer. It so very easy to use. So many different therapy options. Something for everyone. And it give you the feeling that your doing something positive for yourself. I had my yearly visit with my neurologist. He was very pleased with my progress. In fact I answered his questions better that when I was first diagnosed. As good as ALZLIFE is, and it surely is. You have to do other things to help yourself, proper diet, read daily, go for a short walk, anything to keep your mind active. Highly recommend this app. Tree top 1 ### 3/5 — Thoughtless design *2022-12-29* Thoughtless design aspects: 1. Author erroneously believes that he can’t provide 40Hz stimulation via a 60Hz screen. This may be the case if you insist on 100% modulation intensity, but it is likely not the case if you provide sinusoidal modulation. 2. Author recommends use of external audio, but then does not use the APIs that make audio output selection available inside the app. **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. Please write us directly at vysha@bu.edu ### 5/5 — ALZLIFE review *2022-11-12, version 1.13.7* If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or have been told you have dementia. By using this app it will make you feel that your doing something for yourself to slow progression of the disease. I’ve been using this app for five years. And I personally feel that it’s definitely helped me. And strongly recommend this app. Tree top1 ### 2/5 — Tom *2022-08-01, version 1.13.7* The games are very poor quality, and sitting down to play them for an hour a day just got to be more than I wanted to fiddle with. As for the subscription, it was easy to subscribe, not so easy to unsubscribe. ### 5/5 — Feb 2020 to Jun 2022 … I like the app for my Loved One *2022-06-17, version 1.13.6* Feb 2020 I like the app for my LO ( loved one). Trying to get them to use it daily, is a challenge. I have a scheduled daily alert in my phone, to try and schedule a time for use. THe LO doesn’t like the sudoku. Maybe if you add a word search game? I bought the iPad Pro last yr, when they had an awesome sale on them. I also have a regular iPad, to keep track of just doctor appointments and apps for med refills. So, I keep the iPad Pro, just for use with this app. Nothing else is on it. Using the iPads this way, helps quite a bit. Will update my review, when I can get the LO to use the app more. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ July 2020 The more recent update, included some more games. If I can get LO( loved one) to use it more, I think they might use the Jewel Crush and Solitaire games. But the “Driving Reaction” game... “Finally” FIGURED Out how to Play it. It’s a MEMORY game. Nothing to do with driving. It shows 2 figures and a yellow yield shape sign. One figure is blond one has brown hair. You have to remember the figure that is shown to you AND Where on the screen, the sign was. It goes to a screen with both figures. Choose the one that was shown with the sign. Then it goes to a blank screen. On the blank screen, you have to tap the area on the screen, where the sign was. Still having problems “trying” to get LO to use the app. LO gets to nervous jiggling of legs or slapping of knees, if LO sits for too long. So, instead of sitting for an hour a day, I’ve tried breaking it down, into four 15 minute sittings a day. I’ll let you know how that works out for us. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ One suggestion... could you include a second user, for the app and games ? So I, as the caregiver can play them, to see how they work and instruct my memory impaired LO how to play them? If I play them, it counts towards *Their* progress time. I don’t want to add to their time. It looks like they are the one making progress, if I play the games, because there is not a selection for a second user. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Thanks. I really like the memory games you provide in this app. I look forward to seeing more, of what you provide in future updates. ################################################# ################################################# JUNE 2022 Just logged into the app, after a yr. Very pleasantly surprised too see a whole lot more New games, in the app. :-D Still no instructions on how to play the driving game. Some people might have problems, trying to play some of the games, with out instructions. I had to play it, to figure it out. But I Love seeing, that there are so many new games. I **Hate** that trying out the NEW games first, will add to my LO’s progress on the tracker. :-( $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I also see, the Progress tracker, STILL has no way to reset it, to 0. The app is “still” one player only. Would be nice to have a second user/profile/player, in the app. Being the caregiver for someone with memory loss, I have to play the game first, to be able to show my loved one, how to play the games. I “should” be able to reset the progress tracker, so I can check my loved ones progress…. Not their progress AND mine, combined. I think it would be useful to also make the games 2 player Games. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ With Gas Prices at $5.00 bucks a gallon, We’re not “rich” people and I can’t afford to go out and buy another iPad Pro and set it up for me to use. Which is the way, this app is set up, as of right now. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@PLEASE make the progress tracker, so I can reset it to 0, give the app a second user profile and some of the games, 2 player games. For these reasons, I give 4 out of 5 stars. Once the progress tracker can be reset and there is a second user, at least… then will I go back to giving 5 stars. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Very disappointing *2023-04-27* So I’m a senior on social security. Was so excited until I saw that my 9th generation iPad is not useable for your program. Not paying for the whole thing every month if the main idea behind the program is not available. Really bummed. **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! Regular iPad cannot generate 40Hz light stimulation. Please use iPad Pro 2017 or newer to experience 40Hz light. ### 1/5 — After 2 weeks app won’t launch. *2022-08-24, version 1.13.7* After 2 weeks app won’t launch. Returns an error, try it again. Multiple tries still won’t launch. I’ve deleted the app and reloaded and still won’t work. Permanently delegated. ### 1/5 — Where do I find explanation of games. *2022-02-26, version 1.13.6* I don’t understand the driving test and had to look up candy crush rules in Safari. The game should have instructions included. If they are please tell me how to access them. ### 1/5 — Terrible, Awful, Useless app *2020-10-07, version 1.10.2* Please stay away from this app. Poorly designed app forces you to give them your email with no way to remove your data. ### 1/5 — Useless unless you pay a lot *2020-09-30, version 1.10.2* Maybe it’s good when you commit to laying a lot but there is no way to see before hand. Not the sort of thing I have time to wade through as a caretaker. Does everything have to me about profit? ### 2/5 — No Sound on iPhone 17 Pro Max *2026-05-28, version 1.21.0* I have faithfully used this app for more than three or four years up until I got my iPhone 17 Pro Max about a year or so ago. Unfortunately, while the 40 Hz light works, no matter what I try I cannot get the 40 Hz sound to work. Other than that, I have really loved this app in the past. ### 2/5 — So many issues with books *2026-01-19* Page numbers in books are all messed up. If you record the page number to pick up your reading tomorrow, that page number will, like as not, put you back to what you read yesterday! Why can’t the app open today with the last page from yesterday? Very frustrating. Editing is horrible with spelling mistakes and occasional indecipherable ‘letter salad’. But it is the best I have found, so far. ### 2/5 — Doesn’t actually do 40 Hz *2025-05-12* Recently a message has popped up saying the flashing and sound is not 40 hz but 30 due to the limitations of my device. I looked up the refresh rates for iPhones and the lowest is 60 Hz. 30 Hz is not associated with brainwaves that are used in focusing and no study has found that 30hz are enough to help with Alzheimer’s. I’m wondering how many hours I wasted with this app thinking it was doing what it said it would do. **Developer response:** For 40Hz light stimulation, please use iPad Pro or iPhone Pro. Only these devices can generate 40 Hz light flickering. Other devices are physically unable to generate 40 Hz light. ### 2/5 — Doesn’t work with 2024 iPad Pros *2024-10-05* The App Support website says that the new iPad pros are supported, but the app says they aren’t and you only get 30hz light. The app was updated last a year ago. They probably only need to update their database, but maybe they’ve stopped supporting this app? Unfortunately, the Contact option on the website requires you to complete a nonexistent recaptia, so you can’t contact them to ask if they’re still supporting the app. Update: the suggestion to disable low power mode doesn’t help. It’s already disabled. They’ve fixed the contact option on their website, so we’ll see if they respond or if they update the app to support the latest iPad pros. **Developer response:** Dear Steve, Thank you for your review! The new version resolves this error. The problem was incorrect counter. The screen was blinking at 40Hz, but the counter reported 30Hz. ### 2/5 — Not impressed *2024-10-02* Just started using this app. What I really wanted was to be able to just have the flashing light , selection of music I can chose from and a timer so I can make my selections, set the timer and look at my phone in front of the screen to catch up on my emails or whatever. Seems like a pretty is thing to add, no? ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Fixed No Sound on iPhone 17 Pro Max *2026-08-07* SOLUTION: Developer worked with me & discovered you may need to turn off Silent Mode in Sounds & Haptics of iOS Settings to get the sound to work again. Disregard the last part of my previous review as this is a great app with a very receptive & supportive developer! I have faithfully used this app for more than three or four years up until I got my iPhone 17 Pro Max about a year or so ago. Unfortunately, while the 40 Hz light works, no matter what I try I cannot get the 40 Hz sound to work. Other than that, I have really loved this app in the past. **Developer response:** Dear Davey, Thank you for your feedback! Could you please email at vysha@bu.edu and we will investigate. ### 5/5 — Great *2026-02-28, version 1.21.0* So helpful for memory ### 5/5 — Great games *2025-11-11* Love the variety in the games! Would like some options for different background music. ### 5/5 — Recently Diagnosed!😭 *2025-09-23, version 1.17.2* Daily things help me such as 40 hz App, small laser to head, sauna & red light therapy at gym ### 5/5 — Very frustrating *2025-01-16* 1.Can you update the puzzle/shapes game? I love that one but have done all the puzzles - 2. Why does the twirling dancer have nipples?? Unnecessarily sexual . How about a ballerina with clothes on 3.the “ Canvie” game— you need to provide answers and stop using abbreviations 4. After using app for several months on a monthly subscription, I am now getting a banner about “ upgrading to premium” constantly . And “ monthly and yearly plans available “ What’s up with that ?? **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback! Let us respond to each point you made in your review: 1. Puzzle/shapes game Please go to a more challenging level, to work with a variety of new shapes. 2. Why does the twirling dancer have nipples? You can switch between backgrounds in Settings. Other backgrounds include nature photographs, a spiral, and a clean background. 3. the “ Canvie” game— you need to provide answers and stop using abbreviations Please email us with more detail. We couldn't determine what the "Canvie" game is. Please see FAQs for the description and rules explanation for each game. 4. After using app for several months on a monthly subscription, I am now getting a banner about “ upgrading to premium” Thank you for your support! Please delete AlzLife from your device and download the new version from the App Store. This will solve the problem. ### 5/5 — ALZLIFE review *2024-10-13* I’ve had the extreme pleasure to be introduced to this program 7 years ago. It has since become a daily ritual for my and me. We’ve found that daily use greatly enhances our cognitive skills. It causes us to think. I highly recommend this program for all older people. It will become just as favorite use as the daily paper use to be. Tree top 1 ### 5/5 — Doesn’t work with 2024 iPad Pros *2024-10-09* The App Support website says that the new iPad pros are supported, but the app says they aren’t and you only get 30hz light. The app was updated last a year ago. They probably only need to update their database, but maybe they’ve stopped supporting this app? Unfortunately, the Contact option on the website requires you to complete a nonexistent recaptia, so you can’t contact them to ask if they’re still supporting the app. Update: the suggestion to disable low power mode doesn’t help. It’s already disabled. They’ve fixed the contact option on their website, so we’ll see if they respond or if they update the app to support the latest iPad pros. Update 2: With the new version, they’ve fixed the issue with the latest iPad pros. I’m looking forward to getting my wife started on the app. I thank the developers for a fast response. **Developer response:** Dear Steve, Thank you for your review! The new version resolves this error. The problem was incorrect counter. The screen was blinking at 40Hz, but the counter reported 30Hz. ### 5/5 — Great games! *2024-08-15* My Mom is 94 years old and I could see her memory has improved since she started playing those games like Memory Rings and Memory Pairs. ### 5/5 — Fun Games! *2024-08-13* I got this for my husband who has vascular dementia. He enjoys playing some of the easier games and when he finishes, I grab the tablet and plunge into my favorite, Spider Solitaire. We both use it with the flickering light (which can be turned off). Our older iPad was bought because it is campatible with this app. I don't know which models will deliver the 40Hz needed to be theraputic. Lots of other fun games available in the app too. ### 5/5 — Great product *2024-02-03* I have been using AlzLife for 3 weeks now. The games are fun. Surprisingly enough I enjoy the Jewel Crush game with its piano background music since I play the piano. In the last few weeks my ability to find words in word search games like Waffle and Word Finder has increased so much I hesitate to say it but it is like lightning speed. I have consistently used the program on my iPad for an hour a day with wonderful headphones. I started out using minimal light and a lower sound and increased as I became accustomed to it. I used the Luminosity app for several years, but Alzlife has been a great choice and I highly recommend it. There are games that are basic and games that are more challenging so Im sure you will find some games that you like! There are card games, chess, checkers, word finder, math, picture finder games of people, animals and things. Try it, you'll like it, and for me it is working great. I highly recommend it. Best regards... --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*