Cogmed Working Memory Training
– for children/adolescents with concentration difficulties
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Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) is a method for children/ adolescents with concentration difficulties, which has shown improvements of attention in placebo-controlled clinical trials. The method was originally developed by Cogmed's founders, who are brain researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. It is based on computerized training of the working memory using the program RoboMemo, led by a Cogmed-qualified coach.
Deficits in working memory are closely linked to concentration difficulties
Working memory can be described as the ability to keep information online for a brief period of time and to be able to use it in one's thinking. Practical examples of use are reading, doing maths and organizing one's actions in everyday life. It is crucial to control of attention and thus the ability to concentrate. Deficits in working memory are closely linked to attention deficits and often manifest themselves as concentration difficulties. Research into ADHD shows, that children with ADHD often have a lower working memory capacity than others of their age. Research into academic performance shows that a reduced working memory also leads to poorer performance at school.
Training improves working memory capacityWhen studied in clinical trials, CWMT has shown to improve working memory and attention. The training is limited in time with measurable results. Cogmed follows up and evaluates all trainings in our Stockholm practice. We see results of training in 80% of our users, mainly manifested in increased concentration, sustained attention and learning ability. Implementation of the method is led by a specially trained Cogmed-qualified coach. The training takes 30-45 minutes a day during five weeks. As the support is telephone- and Internet-based, the training can be done either at home or in school. |
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Studies at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden show effects of training
CWMT was developed by the researchers involved in founding Cogmed. Their research at the Karolinska Institute shows significant training effects on working memory, attention, impulse inhibition and complex reasoning skills. The research also shows increased brain activation after training. The effects of training have been studied using fMRI, neuro¬psychological tests and systematic ratings of behaviour before and after training.
Studies of working memory training have included children and adults. The research involving children has concerned children diagnosed with ADHD. The research involving adults has concerned young adults without any diagnoses. Tests and measurement methods have been adapted to the groups, but all studies have shown effect on attention.
The studies have been published in international scientific journals such as Nature Neuroscience and Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Cogmed – started by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden
Cogmed is a company founded by the brain researchers behind the method and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, which is one of the most prominent medical research institutes in Scandinavia. Since start-up, Cogmed has developed the technology and the training support to improve training. Cogmed cooperates with coaches who work on assessing working memory deficits and supporting children and adults through training. The researchers who founded the company are also closely linked with the company's present activities.
Further information on Cogmed Working Memory Training
Cogmed Working Memory Training has been developed for children and adolescents with concentration difficulties. The training comes in two packages:
1. Cogmed Working Memory Training/ Basic Training (5 weeks) for children and adolescents with attention deficits or diagnosed with ADHD.
2. Cogmed Working Memory Training/ Booster Training (3 weeks) for children and adolescents who have concluded basic training and want to boost the training results at a later stage.
Contact us at info@cogmed.com for further information. Send an email to research@cogmed.com for research references.
Important notice: Cogmed Working Memory Training is not a cure, prevention or remediation for ADHD; it is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider's consultation or for medication. It should only be considered as part of a complete intervention programme. Scientific research in respect of working memory training has evidenced clinical improvement effects on attention. Even so, the effect or result for a specific user can never be guaranteed. RoboMemo is not a medical device, and is not regulated by the associated regulatory framework.
