Cogmed
Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based program for helping children, adolescents, and adults sustainably improve attention by training their working memory.
In the U.S. since 2006, Cogmed Working Memory Training is a homebased program that helps people with attention problems by training and increasing their working memory capacity. Clinically proven results demonstrate that after training, people improve their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behavior and better utilize complex reasoning skills. In the end, better academic and professional performance can be achieved.
What is Working Memory and why is it important?
Working memory (WM) involves the ability to focus on a task, keep information in mind and to do mental processing of that information. It is a fundamental brain function that underlies most of our conscious mental work. WM is required in order to understand the content while reading and it is the brain’s work space when solving a math problem. It is used when following instructions, reading a map or simply carrying on a conversation. It is limited in its capacity and sensitive to distractions. Impairments in WM are often seen in individuals with ADHD, acquired brain injury and many other common conditions resulting in difficulties with concentration and learning. This in turn may lead to behavior issues, feelings of low self-confidence and social problems. Until earlier this century, it was presumed that WM capacity was a trait that was rather static, so that once adult maturation of the brain was reached, the WM capacity would be fixed. Based on neuroscientific findings indicating plasticity of the areas of the brain that encompass WM capacity, an innovation from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden was born, demonstrating that WM could in fact be trained to enable more and better information processing. These discoveries were the foundations on which Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) was created.
The complete program includes:
• Initial interview
• Start-up session
• Five weeks of training with weekly coach calls
• Wrap-up meeting
• Six month follow-up interview
• Access to the Cogmed Training Web
• Cogmed Extension Training (12 months)
You set the training schedule with Dr. Bell (your Cogmed Coach), with plenty of flexibility.
Dr. Bell is part of a national network of attention specialists, all qualified by Cogmed.
Web-based training, using a Mac or PC at home. No need for office visits.
25 training sessions of 30-40 minutes each, done over 5 weeks.
The Cogmed Extension Training allows the user to further sharpen the acquired capacity and to verify how the results hold over time.
The scientifically developed and tested program adjusts complexity level for each exercise, in real time, for maximum training effect.
Each user has a Cogmed Coach who leads the training, tracks results and gives support and motivation.
The Cogmed Training Web gives all users online access to their own training results and progress status.
Getting Started
If you are interested in learning more about Cogmed or would like to get started, please contact Dr. Bell at 347-696-1672.
