Cogmed Working Memory Training Program

Many people we see also present with executive function challenges including difficulties with working memory. Working memory is like the brain's temporary workspace where information is held and manipulated for short-term tasks. Cogmed Working Memory training is a non-medication, research-based intervention that provides reliable improvements for working memory, initiate, plan/organize and inattention symptoms. Cogmed is a series of computer-based exercises done on the computer at home with our supervision. We use Cogmed because it has sufficient research behind it. There are over 120 studies published on its benefits. We have had over 600 people complete it through the office over the years and keep all their before and after data so we know it works as it is supposed to.  

The training helps with four things, obviously working memory. Unfortunately, medication does not significantly impact working memory-let’s face it if there was a pill for memory we’d all be interested. There’s no pill for memory, but 80% of people who go through the Cogmed program show significant improvement with working memory. It also helps other executive functions including initiate and plan/organize. Complementary to medication it also helps with inattention. 

For the people that do this program, as I mentioned, it’s done on the home computer with our supervision. Our supervision means that we have a Cogmed certified coach that works for us that monitors what everybody’s doing online and talks with them (or the parents if a child is doing the training) periodically throughout the training. Her role is to help the individual maximize their progress by giving them information and tips to maximize their progress on the individual exercises.

There are six options available to do the program that take from 5 to 10 weeks to complete. Everybody does the same exercises, it’s just that they are more spread out or more condensed. In the most spread-out version, you do the exercises three times per week for 35 minutes at a time, that takes 10 weeks. The most condensed version is done five times a week, 45 minutes at a time, that takes five weeks. Then there are four options in between, two six-week options and to eight-week options. The outcome on all of those choices is exactly the same.

One month after the training is completed we meet and retest in the areas that were expecting to see benefit to measure improvement. At that point, you’re provided with a written report with all of the before and after data and get 80 extension trainings that are done twice per week and take about 15 minutes per session. There is also a six-month follow-up to make sure the benefits are being maintained. For people that are interested in this, you can just call the office or email Jane (Jane.Drbill@gmail.com). We would meet for one session to get everything set up then, as indicated, the program is completed at home with the coach’s supervision.