Cogmed Working Memory Training Program
Cogmed Training
Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based, computerized training program designed by leading neuroscientists to improve attention by effectively increasing working memory capacity over a 5 week training period.
The program is based on strong scientific research, is delivered under the supervision of a qualified Cogmed Coach, and can be done either in the convenience of the client's home or at EnCourage. It is a computer-based training (using a PC), and the software adjusts the complexity level for each exercise in real time, which maximizes training effect.
The complete program includes:
- Initial interview - The Cogmed Qualified Practice schedules a talk with the person interested in going through the program (or the parent if it is regarding a child). The likelihood of him/her benefiting from the training is evaluated.
- Start-up session - The Cogmed Coach plans and structures the training together with the user/family.
- Five weeks of training with weekly coach calls - The user is training at home and talks with the Cogmed Coach on a weekly basis to get advice on how to get the most out of the training, hear feedback, and increase motivation.
- Access to the Cogmed Training Web - Both the user and the Cogmed Coach review and monitor the results of each day’s training, using our online system.
- Wrap-up session - About one month after the training is completed, the Cogmed Coach summarizes the training together with the user and provides feedback data from rating scales and the Cogmed Training Web.
- Six month follow-up interview - The Cogmed Coach documents training effects again, with more time elapsed and the effects fully emerged.
- Cogmed Extension Training (12 months) - When the intensive five week training is completed and the training has been wrapped-up, the user gets access to 100 sessions of training with the software, to use over a 12 month period. Cogmed Extension Training is optional and no extra fee involved for the first 12 months.
During the five weeks of training, the user must complete 25 training sessions of 30-45 minutes each. The user is supported by a Cogmed Coach who leads the training, tracks results and gives support and motivation. The Cogmed Training Web gives users online access to their own training results and progress status.
Cogmed Programs
Cogmed JM (for Pre-school children ages 4-6)
Younger children use their working memory for a number of things, such as focusing on and following instructions, and remaining seated to complete independent activities.
Cogmed RM (for school age children ages 7-17)
Working memory is crucial for children and adolescents in school and socially. Reading, solving math problems, planning and following a conversation all rely on working memory.
Cogmed QM (for adults)
Working memory in adult and professional life is critical for challenges such as planning, focusing, resisting distraction and meeting deadlines.
Benefits
Working memory is critical for focusing, appropriately shutting out distractions, and for complex thinking. Improved working memory capacity generalizes to improved attention and impulse control. Eight out of ten users who complete the training show measureable effects.
Children- Research and clinical data show improved grades following Cogmed training. Parents and teachers also report improved social skills, taking initiative, remembering instructions, and completing assignments more independently.
Adults- By training your working memory, you will be better able to stay focused, ignore distractions, plan next steps, remember instructions, and start and finish tasks.
How it Works
The Cogmed program delivers substantial and lasting benefits. There is a straightforward and research-based explanation for the mechanisms delivering the effects.
Very focused design – working memory improvement
The program challenges the user’s working memory capacity. The computerized, cognitive exercises are designed by neuroscientists to target this key cognitive function that has been proven to be fundamental to executive function and attention. The details of the exercise design allow the program to be very focused and yet provide slight variations. The logic is very much like in the case of the fitness machines used for building muscle strength in a gym. Cogmed is highly focused, cognitive weightlifting.
Finely tuned difficulty level – you are always challenged
The difficulty level of the training is adjusted in real time by the software based on the user’s performance. The highly fine-tuned calibration means that every Cogmed user will always be training at the very edge of his or her cognitive capacity. This is true for many people, from a young child with severely impaired capacity, to an adult in good cognitive shape. Whoever you are, Cogmed training will challenge your brain – and improve it.
Highly personal support ensures you will complete the training
The program is carefully designed, rigorous, and focused on a key cognitive function. But to have strong real life effects, it also has to be used in the right way. This is why Cogmed training is always supported by a Cogmed-trained coach. The coach makes sure the user has the right profile for the training, and that the timing is right. The coach is responsible for providing the motivation, support, and feedback necessary to get the most out the training. Thanks to the Cogmed coaches, 90% of Cogmed users complete their training.
The improved working memory “generalizes” to behavior
This is the research breakthrough that created and propels Cogmed. When you improve your working memory capacity, the change generalizes to your behavior. In other words, the change is translated to other things than just working memory. The research breakthrough is that by training a tightly defined cognitive function you create a cascading effect of improvements. You will be better able to pay attention, resist distractions, self-manage, and learn.
You should not just take our word for this; review the research behind Cogmed and talk to one of the highly experienced professionals who use Cogmed to help their clients prepare for success. Ask the hard questions and find out for yourself how it works.
To review the research, click here.
To speak to a trained Cogmed Coach, call the EnCourage office at 616-530-2224.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Cogmed training for?
Cogmed training is for people who wish to improve their ability to concentrate and are constrained by their working memory. Cogmed users range from young children to senior adults. Some have diagnosed attention deficits, some have suffered a brain injury, some feel the deteriorating effects of normal aging, and others find they’re not doing as well as they could, academically or professionally, given their intelligence and their efforts.
2. What is working memory and why is it important?
Working memory is an essential cognitive function necessary for a wide-range of tasks related to attention and focus. It is the ability to keep information in your mind for several seconds, manipulate it, and use it in your thinking. It is central to concentration, problem solving, and impulse control. Working memory is closely correlated to fluid intelligence and is a strong indicator of academic and professional success. Poor working memory is the source of many problems related to attention and is often linked to ADHD, and other learning disabilities.
3. What are the effects of Cogmed training?
Cogmed training improves attention, concentration, focus, impulse control, social skills, and complex reasoning skills by substantially and lastingly improving working memory capacity. The goal is improved performance and attentional stamina. The best way to learn about the effects is to talk to the Cogmed practice of your choice and to read the Cogmed User Stories.
4. Do the results last?
Yes, our research and our clinical experience show that the effects of Cogmed Training last after training. The reason is that once working memory capacity increases, you naturally continue to use it at its new level, which serves as constant maintenance training. Each Cogmed user also has access to optional Cogmed Extension Training at no extra cost.
For more Frequently Asked Questions about Cogmed, click here.