A brain training system and method are provided that incorporates a first phase and a second phase of brain training. The first phase is designed to increase attention by requiring the completion of an attention-based activity or task. This may require the identification of match or mismatched images. The second phase is designed to increase working memory by requiring the completion of a working memory-based task that requires the repetition of an illumination sequence. Each phase may be implemented in a self-contained handheld device, similar to the shape of a tablet, or may be implemented in a computer application, such as software. The answers of each phase are recorded in a central database and the system may provide recommendations based on the answers.