Working memory is used for controlling attention and deficits in working memory capacity can lead to attention problems.Working memory is a key function necessary for many cognitive tasks.
We use our working memory every day: to remember what we should do next, to solve problems and to pay attention. Working memory is the ability to keep information in one's mind for a short period of time while using it to carry out a task.
When people have deficits in working memory, it is often experienced as inattention problems such as having problems focusing on reading a text or memory problems which makes individuals unable to finish an activity according to a plan.
Cogmed Working Memory Training improves working memory capacity and helps build concentration.
It used to be thought that an individual's working memory capacity was fixed. Current research has shown that the brain is more trainable than that. Everyone can improve his or her working memory through correctly designed and intense training. For people with serious attention deficits, improved working memory translates into tangible and measurable improvements in daily life.
This method was developed in collaboration with the brain researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. The effects of training are scientifically validated and the results are published in peer-reviewed academic journals such as The Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and The Journal of Child Neuropsychology. Additional research is being conducted at the University of Notre Dame, Harvard University, New York University, Stanford University and other respected academic institutions.
Cogmed Working Memory Training is built around three age-specific software applications.
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Cogmed JM |
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Cogmed RM |
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Cogmed RM - For children and adolescents age 7 and up |
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Cogmed QM |
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Cogmed QM -For adults |
TRAINING
The training consists of a specific set of working memory exercises that are performed on the computer, and where the difficulty level is adjusted according to a specific algorithm. The individuals complete a fixed number of trials every day, which takes about 30-40 minutes. This is done for five days a week, for five weeks. During training, performance results are saved and can be used for later analysis. Children, adolescents and some adults need assistance and encouragement with training to achieve optimal performance. This is provided by the coahing that occurs weekly in either inperson or telephone sessions with a staff from AlessiCEBS.
THE TRAINING PROGRAM
Cogmed Working Memory Training is developed for children, adolescents and adults from the age of seven. The training uses one of three software programswith support from a Cogmed-qualified coach from our office. The training is done at home, with daily support from a parent or training aide who participates in each training session. Training can be completed with or without the person's use of medication.
The complete COGMED WORKING MEMORY TRAINING PROGRAM includes:
*please note all of the training can be completed without an office visit – it can be complete via telephone
1. Interview- For children the training is preceded by an interview with a parent during which the child's specific difficulties and his or her suitability for the program is assessed. Most children with attention deficits are likely to benefit from the program. If an adolescent or adult is to participate then they would be spoken with either in addition in the case of an adolesent or only when it only involves an adult.
2. Startup session-The startup session gets the participnt and the training aide off to a good start with the training.
3. Five weeks of training with coaching sessions-The Cogmed coach follows the results of the training over the Internet. Every week the coach discusses the results and developments with the parent/training aide, the adolescent or adult in a telephone coaching session.
4. Wrap-up session-When training has been completed the Cogmed coach makes an evaluation with the child or adolescentand the parent/training aide or the adult and provides a training report. In the event that the training aide is someone other than one of the parents, a parent will also be included in the wrap-up session.
5. Follow-up session-Six months after the training there will be a follow-up session to evaluate the potential benefit of booster training.
The computer system requirements for Cogmed are:
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For those with a Macintosh, Boot Camp once installed will support Cogmed. Cogmed will not run on Macintosh operating system.