Cogmed Working Memory Training FAQs

What makes Working Memory so important?
Working memory is the ability to keep information “on-line” in your mind for brief periods of time. It is central to concentration, problem solving and impulse control.  Working memory is closely correlated to fluid intelligence. It is also fundamental to academic and professional success. Challenges like reading comprehension and math problem solving depend on working memory capacity.

What are the signs of poor Working Memory?
The signs of poor working memory will differ depending on age and the challenges faced.

What is Cogmed Working Memory Training?
Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based training program for improved attention. It is a computer-based training normally done at home, using a PC.  The training protocol is 25 sessions of 30-40 minutes each, done over a period of 5 weeks.

It is always provided with the support of a Cogmed coach. It includes an intial interview, a start-up meeting, weekly coach calls, a wrap-up meeting and a six months follow-up. Throughout the training period the user can track his/her progress online, using the Cogmed Training Web tool. After the intense five weeks of training follows the Cogmed Extension Training, an additional 100 sessions over 12 months.

Who should do Cogmed Training?
Cogmed training is for people who need to improve their ability to concentrate.  Cogmed users range from young children to adolescents to adults to senior adults. Some have diagnosed attention deficits, some have suffered a brain injury, others feel the effects of aging. And others find they're not doing as well as they could, academically or professionally, given their intelligence and their efforts.

What are the effects of Cogmed Training?
Better attention, better impulse control and better complex reasoning.

For children, parents and teachers also report improved social skills, taking initiative, remembering instructions and completing assignments independently. The key objective is better academic performance, particularly in math and reading comprehension.

For adults, the effects are being able to stay focused, planning your activities, starting and finishing tasks, following and contributing to complex discussions. The key objective is improved professional performance and attentional stamina.

The best way to learn about the effects is to talk with a Working Mind coach and hear about the real-life effects the Cogmed practitioner you talk to has observed.

Do I have to go to someone’s office to do Cogmed?
No.  You can do the entire Cogmed training program out of the convenience of your home.  Te initial interview, start-up meeting and weekly coach calls can all be done over the phone.
 

Do the effects last?
Yes, the effects do last.  Research and clinical experience show that the effects of Cogmed Training last. The reason is that once your working memory has been improved, you will use it more than before. And the use will serve as constant training.  You do not have to take our word for it. Included in the Cogmed Training is the 12 month long Cogmed Extension Training, that allows you to check and train your working memory over 100 sessions. That way you can make sure your gains are maintained, or do more training to increase further.


How is Cogmed different from other kinds of “brain training”?
Three key things make Cogmed stand out:

1. Cogmed Training is backed by solid research no one else can match.  Research done using Cogmed’s products and protocols, just like they are being used in practical use.

2. Cogmed Training is provided exclusively by a network of carefully trained and qualified professionals. They make sure each Cogmed user gets the coaching needed for the best possible results. The trainings meet the high professional standards of the members of the Cogmed Network.

3. An outstanding track record of strong and lasting effects in our thousands of users in America and Europe. Cogmed training makes a real difference in people’s lives.

In short: research, coaching and results. Obviously, the results are what really matter.

What kind of research is behind Cogmed?
Cogmed’s products have been used and shown effective in several research studies. Crucially, the studies apply the golden standard of clinical research: double-blind placebo-controlled designs.

Some of the studies have been published in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals. Others are on their way there, now presented as posters at research conferences.  The work has been done by Cogmed’s founders and by independent teams at leading American and European universities such as Notre Dame, NYU, Harvard, York and Stanford.

No other brain training product or attention training method can show this degree of research validation. Cogmed represents a new level of scientific rigor in brain training and a research breakthrough.

 
Is Cogmed Working Memory Training just for people with ADHD?
No. Cogmed is for everyone held back by poor working memory. Most people with ADHD have poor working memory.  The first research from Cogmed was on children with ADHD and many of our users have ADHD. But many of our users do not have serious attention deficits. We now have research showing good results in adults without any impairments.

 
Is Cogmed training a substitute for medication for ADHD?
No, it is not. In the case of users on ADHD medication, Cogmed training is a complementary intervention.  Stimulant medication and Cogmed training impact the brain in different ways. Medications will have effects Cogmed training does not, particularly regarding hyperactivity.  Cogmed training will also, in many cases, have effects that cannot be achieved by medication only. Talk to you doctor or a Cogmed practice to learn more about the situation in your particular case.

 
Can I buy Cogmed training without a coach?
No, there is always a Cogmed coach involved in a training.  The reason is that with the coach working closely with the user, the Cogmed practice and Cogmed can be sure the training will be done effectively. We want the best possible results for our users.

 
How do I know this will help my child or me?
In our research and in the practical experience of the Cogmed practices, 80% of the users see measurable improvements.  You should talk to a Working Mind coach to make sure your/your child’s profile is right for training. 
That does not mean you can be sure to get results. No intervention works for everyone. 80% is a number we are proud of, but we cannot leave guarantees in any particular case.

Is Cogmed training covered by insurance?
No, normally not.  The training is considered an educational, rather than medical, intervention.  However, some HSA accounts will recognize the training as a covered ”benefit”.  Call us for more information.

 
What kind of computer do I need to do Cogmed?
You need a computer running Windows XP or Vista.

 
How many people have gone through Cogmed training?
In the US and Canada, about 2,000 people. All together, including research users and users in Europe and Japan, about 5,000 people.  80% of participants significantly improved their ability to concentrate and use complex reasoning skills.

For more information, contact us at:  (440) 842-4462 or (866) 908-0420.