COGMED WORKING MEMORY TRAINING: What You Need to Know and How to Get Started 

View Dr Aronson-Ramos discussing Cogmed Working Memory Training

COGMED is an evidence based brain training program for children and adults.

COGMED has been demonstrated to improve Working Memory (WM) which is often impaired in ADHD, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, reading comprehension & math difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and cognitive decline due to aging.

What is Working Memory?

Working memory is the active process of storing and processing information simultaneously. Working Memory is critical to carry out complex thinking tasks. In daily life we use working memory for things as diverse as remembering instructions, solving math problems, reading comprehension, controlling impulses, engaging in conversation, resisting distractions, and numerous other tasks which require focused attention.

Many researchers feel WM is more predictive of academic performance and cognitive functioning than IQ. In school, working memory problems lead to poor academic progress, in the workplace under performance, and in daily life disorganization and chaos.

What is The COGMED Story? (www.thecogmedstory.com)

The COGMED Program was developed by Torkel Klingberg, a Swedish Scientist at the prestigious Karolinska Institute, known for cutting-edge medical treatments and the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Dr. Klingberg and his team discovered that WM deficits can be significantly improved with computer based brain training.

This is the COGMED Story – the unique research supported discovery of training working memory to help children and adults overcome problems with performance in school and the workplace. Specific examples of theses challenges include:

• Resisting distractions.
• Focused attention to tasks.
• Remembering instructions.
• Recalling sequences of information.
• Organizing and planning tasks.
• Performance in reading comprehension and mathematics
• Time Management
• Weak conversational skills – turn taking, listening, commenting

What is the COGMED Training Program?

The treatment program involves an at-home computer-based training for 30-45 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks.  This training is supported and monitored directly by Dr. Aronson-Ramos and her staff of Coaches. The parent, caregiver, or participating adult will be taught the necessary techniques and strategies to serve as the training aid to insure the user obtains the maximum benefit from the program.

The program has the look and feel of a computer game. There are three versions of Cogmed: JM for 4-7 years, RM 8 years and up, QM for teens and adults. The program is continuously adjusted, via INTERNET synchronization with the Cogmed server, so the level of difficulty increases as performance improves with training. This provides the “push” so the child or adult is always moving to the next level.

What results can I expect?

The data collected thus far by the professionals in North America and worldwide have been gratifying, with 80% of those who complete the training showing good to outstanding results.  Some of the gains reported include improvements in the following areas:

• Taking Initiative: including homework and chores.
• Remembering things: directions, routines, instructions, and information.
• Improved frustration tolerance: thinks before reacting; fewer “meltdowns”.
• Better able to focus, sustain attention, and can re-focus if attention starts to wander.
• Improved reading comprehension.
• Improved performance in math.
• Greater self-confidence and overall maturity, improved social interaction.
• Completing more tasks independently.
• Notebooks, materials, and planners more organized
• Reduced compulsivity and hyperactivity
• Better social skills, more connected to others
• Cognitive decline due to: stroke, aging, or traumatic brain injury

The results may be readily apparent after training or may emerge slowly several months after training is completed. Go to www.cogmedprofiles.com for vignettes of individuals who have completed the training.

Will the benefits from COGMED last?

One of the most exciting aspects of the training is that results are long-lasting: over 80% of those who improve either maintain their gains or actually continue to improve over time at one-year follow-up. The program now includes a year long extension training program which consists of abbreviated training sessions which are self-paced once the intensive five week program is completed. The extension training is optional but is included when you enroll.

How does COGMED compare with other programs?

I have personally spent a considerable amount of time researching programs that offer a non-pharmacological addition to the treatment of ADHD and other problems with learning and development. This intervention has the evidence base and the research for me to be able to recommend it for my own patients.

How do I start?

If you are not already an established patient, the process of enrolling will require a telephone screening; to be sure the program is appropriate for you or your child. This will be followed by an in office start-up visit to begin the program.

For my established patients who qualify for the intervention we will be able to begin the program immediately without further screening, once you have been properly trained on its use at an in office start-up session which will last approximately one hour.

The total cost of the program for RM, QM and JM includes:

·         Initial screening procedures,

·         One hour in office start-up session (can be done via phone if requested)

·         Five weekly telephone or email based coaching sessions

·         Ongoing coaching analysis of data and training

·         Thirty minute  wrap up session

·         Six month follow up

It is important to consider that results with COGMED are long term and demonstrated in actual imaging studies of the brain. When comparing COGMED to programs with similar intent or claims, you will find COGMED stands alone with well validated published research in major scientific and medical journals. (www.cogmedresearch.com)

I encourage you to review information on the following websites for more information about brain training programs and the research supporting them: www.cogmed.com  www.sharpbrains.com and www.aboutworkingmemory.com.

If you have any questions about the COGMED training program, please feel free to contact our office.