How We Work
What is Working Memory?
Neuroscientists and psychologists use the term working memory to describe the brain function whereby we can hold and manipulate chunks of information in the mind for short periods of time. A useful analogy is to think of working memory as a kind of mental workspace or note pad. It is the ability to keep information in your mind for a short time and use that and other information for some desired purpose. With a working memory deficit it is difficult to stay focused, reason, plan next steps, remember instructions and accomplish tasks. A good illustration of working memory in action is doing mental arithmetic. Try to multiply 17 by 43 in your head without using pencil and paper. If you are interrupted or distracted, you lose all the data and have to start again. Another example might be memorising a telephone number in your mind while you search for your cell phone to dial the number. Another might be making sense of a long sentence that you are reading. If you forget the first part before reaching the last part, you have to start again.
Mol Med
Why is Working Memory Important?
Working memory drives your ability to focus, concentrate and not lose your train of thought. Children with ADHD are particularly vulnerable and constitute a prime population for working memory training. In the academic world, studies show a deficit in working memory often leads to difficulties in reading, comprehension and maths.
There is now extensive evidence of the relationship between working memory and learning outcomes. Although working memory has been studied for years, only recently did Swedish neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg, the founder of Cogmed, show that it can be trained and enhanced. Previously it was thought to be fixed and immutable.
How We Work
Can Working Memory Be Improved with Cogmed?
Training takes place online at home, usually five days a week for five or six weeks, although other timing plans are now available. Doing it over six weeks, each session lasts about 20 minutes of active training time. The software automatically increases in difficulty as a person's abilities improve. The programme includes weekly telephonic contact to help coach and monitor performance, which can also be viewed online. After training, users can expect to improve their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behaviour and are better able to utilise complex reasoning skills. In the case of learners and students, better academic results can be achieved especially in maths and reading. In addition, users report improved social skills and other benefits in daily life such as taking initiative, remembering things and completing tasks.
How We Work
Is Cogmed Supported by Research?
A recently published white paper provides robust evidence to support this. Recent studies have been able to show which brain networks are strengthened after Cogmed training. There are now over 100 published academic studies supporting the benefits of training. These can be accessed here with links to the full article or the abstract (summary). Please feel free to contact Gerard Finnemore for further details.
Better focus with Cogmed
How We Work
What is Working Memory?
Neuroscientists and psychologists use the term working memory to describe the brain function whereby we can hold and manipulate chunks of information in the mind for short periods of time. A useful analogy is to think of working memory as a kind of mental workspace or note pad. It is the ability to keep information in your mind for a short time and use that and other information for some desired purpose. With a working memory deficit it is difficult to stay focused, reason, plan next steps, remember instructions and accomplish tasks. A good illustration of working memory in action is doing mental arithmetic. Try to multiply 17 by 43 in your head without using pencil and paper. If you are interrupted or distracted, you lose all the data and have to start again. Another example might be memorising a telephone number in your mind while you search for your cell phone to dial the number. Another might be making sense of a long sentence that you are reading. If you forget the first part before reaching the last part, you have to start again.
Mol Med
Why is Working Memory Important?
Working memory drives your ability to focus, concentrate and not lose your train of thought. Children with ADHD are particularly vulnerable and constitute a prime population for working memory training. In the academic world, studies show a deficit in working memory often leads to difficulties in reading, comprehension and maths.
There is now extensive evidence of the relationship between working memory and learning outcomes. Although working memory has been studied for years, only recently did Swedish neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg, the founder of Cogmed, show that it can be trained and enhanced. Previously it was thought to be fixed and immutable.
How We Work
Can Working Memory Be Improved with Cogmed?
Training takes place online at home, usually five days a week for five or six weeks, although other timing plans are now available. Doing it over six weeks, each session lasts about 20 minutes of active training time. The software automatically increases in difficulty as a person's abilities improve. The programme includes weekly telephonic contact to help coach and monitor performance, which can also be viewed online. After training, users can expect to improve their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behaviour and are better able to utilise complex reasoning skills. In the case of learners and students, better academic results can be achieved especially in maths and reading. In addition, users report improved social skills and other benefits in daily life such as taking initiative, remembering things and completing tasks.
How We Work
Is Cogmed Supported by Research?
A recently published white paper provides robust evidence to support this. Recent studies have been able to show which brain networks are strengthened after Cogmed training. There are now over 100 published academic studies supporting the benefits of training. These can be accessed here with links to the full article or the abstract (summary). Please feel free to contact Gerard Finnemore for further details.
Tandjesberg outside Graaff Reinet. Photography by Martheanne Mangold Finnemore