Cogmed Working Memory Training | Commentary

Cogmed Working Memory Training | Commentary

Commentary

Cogmed is a key player in the new field of evidence-based cognitive training, but we are also part of the bigger, much more loosely defined industry of “brain fitness”. We try to keep up to date on what is happening in our ever-changing field and share our thoughts about topics we find worth commenting on. Did we miss something good? Let us Know.

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Putting “brain training” to the test – and about time

Posted: April 21, 2010
The well-regarded journal Nature airs the question “does brain training work?” in a letter published on April 20th, 2010. The letter, based on a study conducted by the BBC and a research team based in Cambridge, England, concludes that the answer is “No”: “brain training” does not work.

“Did Working Memory Spark Creative Culture?”

Posted: April 20, 2010
An article published in Science on April 9th, 2010 discusses the possibility that the evolution of working memory helped spark creativity in early human species. Researchers Thomas Wynn and Frederick Coolidge point to the creation of unique artwork as evidence of the development of a cognitive function unique to our species - that is, as the article says “an enhanced capacity to hold and manipulate information in one’s conscious attention while carrying out specific tasks, an ability psychologist’s call working memory”.

Schizophrenia mutation linked to working memory deficits

Posted: April 6, 2010
A recent article posted on sciencedaily.com discussed research done by the National Institute of Mental Health which demonstrated that the mutation linked to Schizophrenia also causes impaired brain connections and working memory deficits.

Down Syndrome Education International – Cogmed study

Posted: April 1, 2010
A recent article from the Down Syndrome Education International blog, “In Touch” discussed an ongoing research project testing the efficacy of Cogmed training on Children with Down Syndrome.

The Unwisdom of Multitasking

Posted: March 1st, 2010
Many researchers in the field of cognitive psychology argue that working memory is the "engine of learning". The Chronicle of Higher Learning addresses the topic of working memory and lecture hall multitasking in a recent article. The headline, tellingly, is "the unwisdom of multitasking"

Dr. Joni Holmes presents on her research about Cogmed training

Posted: February 22, 2010
Joni Holmes, Ph.D. gave a presentation at the Annual Cogmed Conference in Austin, TX this past November discussing the two important studies she contributed to about Cogmed training.

Our new web site is now live – and do we have a story to tell!

Posted: February 19, 2010
The Cogmed team and the world-wide network of Cogmed practices believes strongly that we have a great story to tell. The story of how we've taken a breakthrough in basic science and built an effective solution for people around the world. A story of how leading scientists now see that with the right tools and protocols you can truly improve the way your brain works - and that clinicians and educators see that the Cogmed tools work very well in real life, with their clients and students.

Cogmed – an insightful discussion among coaches

Posted: January 25, 2010
A radio program called Attention Talk Radio, an Internet-based radio show, did a program about Cogmed Working Memory Training and how it is being used by health care professionals as a tool to curb problems related to attention.

Programming Children for Success – Computerized Training Can Improve Brain Function

Posted: January 13, 2010
A great article in the Washington Parent about Cogmed training was published last week and highlights the rising awareness of the training program’s efficacy.

The 2009 Cogmed Conference

Posted: November 19, 2009
This year’s annual Cogmed Conference took place on November 6th and 7th in Austin, TX at the wonderful Barton Creek resort. Cogmed hosted researchers and practitioners from around the world over the weekend where an array of presentations on various topics about Cogmed and evidence-based cognitive training took place.

“Study: Childhood cancer survivors less likely to marry”

Posted: November 18, 2009
An article on CNN last week discussed research that highlighted the link between cancer treatments and “problems with task efficiency, problems with organization, and problems with memory”.

“Bang Goes the Theory” – brain training study

Posted: October 15, 2009
A study is being done by a BBC television show called “Bang Goes the Theory” about brain training. The show is hoping to prove whether or not brain training really works.