How do 80 percent of Cogmed’s users achieve improved working memory, even with ADHD?
How does Cogmed work?
Cogmed improves working memory—the vital component of focus, attention and learning. It is an adaptive computer training program based on each user’s current situation.
Our qualified Cogmed psychologists run the program over five weeks. The program ensures users work at maximum personal intensity throughout for best results.
Rigorous independent research shows the program works and lasts. Trainees use their newly acquired working memory to consolidate knowledge and habits, leading to further improvement in attention and focus.
What is working memory?
Working memory is a function of the brain that helps us temporarily store and manage the information required to carry out complex tasks such as learning, reasoning and comprehension.
Working memory keeps information active in the mind for a short period of time so that we can use it for thinking and learning. In daily life we use working memory for a number of activities such as remembering instructions, solving problems, controlling impulses and focusing attention.
Children and adults with working memory problems often experience difficulties maintaining attention, remembering instructions, reading and solving mathematic problems due to their difficulties holding the information required to complete these activities.
Common difficulties associated with reduced working memory capacity include:
• Inattention: likely to be easily distracted, forget instructions and flit from task to task
• Impulsivity: a tendency to speak and/or act without thinking
• Overactivity: characterized by restless and fidgety behaviour.
• Disorganisation
• Social skills when required to simultaneously listen to what someone is saying as well as pay attention to their non-verbal communication cues
Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence based computer intervention designed to improve working memory in people with attention difficulties (see below for information about ADHD). Through active and engaging exercises the user trains at home for five days a week for five weeks. The software automatically increases in difficulty gradually improving the user’s abilities.
Published, peer reviewed and controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that, upon completion of Cogmed Working Memory Training, 80% of participants have significantly improved their ability to concentrate and use complex reasoning skills.
What it involves
Initially we conduct an assessment of the user’s visual and verbal working memory skills.
Cogmed Working Memory Training involves participation in computerised working memory exercises from home each day for five days a week over five weeks. The exercises are designed to train both the visuo-spatial and verbal working memory. The program is adaptive, which means that the level of difficulty is based on the user’s real time performance. Therefore, the user is always working at their highest level.
There are three versions of the program. Cogmed JM is designed for preschool aged children. Cogmed RM is designed for school aged children (7-17 years) and Cogmed QM is the adult version of the program. The training is led by a Psychologist who analyses the results online and works with you to provide feedback and encouragement.
The complete program includes:
Initial interview to determine suitability.
Start-up session
Five weeks of training with weekly calls from the coach
Wrap-up meeting and reassessment of working memory skills
Six month follow up interview
Access to the Cogmed Training Web which gives all users access to their own training results and progress status.
Cogmed extension training (12 months)
What is ADHD?
ADHD is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Until the mid 1990s, neurologists called it attention deficit disorder (ADD).
ADHD affects an estimated 10 percent of early school-age children.
As the name changed from ADD to ADHD, clinicians divided the disorder into three categories:
• Inattentive type
• Hyperactive-impulsive type
• Combined type.
The combined type is most common. The disorder affects boys significantly more than girls, by as much as a factor of three.
Signs and symptoms of the combined type typically include:
• Poor attention to detail
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
• Inability to stick to a task
• Difficulties with organization
• Excessive movement, speech or interruption.
What causes ADHD?
Scientists have not yet identified the exact causes of ADHD. But they have ruled out parenting style, diet, and issues connected with vaccinations as likely explanations.
ADHD and co-morbidities
Although there is no apparent causal link, children with ADHD often have other conditions. Estimates suggest up to 50 percent of ADHD children have a learning disability. Problems with reading (especially dyslexia) and writing lead the field.
Around a quarter of ADHD children suffer from generalized anxiety disorders (GADs). More specific disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome can occur.
What is central auditory processing disorder?
Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) describes a brain/ear condition in children. Children with CAPD process sound, and especially speech, differently to children without CAPD.
CAPD is not an intellectual disorder. It is a coordination dysfunction between brain and ear, exaggerated in environments of background noise.
CAPD children struggle to capture subtleties in the sounds of words. Failure to interpret these nuances of sound often leads to misinterpretation of meaning.
How do you treat ADHD?
ADHD is a life-long disorder. However, families with an ADHD plan can effectively manage the condition. Combinations of behavioral therapy and medication are often successful.
Parental training can make a major difference to both the ADHD child and the family. ADHD management programs in parallel with Cogmed training help parents in many ways. These include:
• Recognizing and avoiding distractions
• Establishing a clear, repeated routine
• Simplifying communications >
• Clarifying disciplinary procedures
• Reducing the number of choices of actions or objects
• Changing goals
• Transforming praise and rewards.
Why Cogmed and Lewis & Lewis?
Cogmed licences psychological specialists in 37 countries. It selects only experienced and reputable clinicians capable of meeting its world-class standards. Lewis & Lewis is the only Cogmed Qualified Practice in Victoria.
For additional information about the program please free to contact Dr. Nicole Carvill on 03 9380 5742 or via nicolecarvill@lewisandlewis.com.au
Read more about Cogmed.
