Cogmed Working Memory Training
New at the Hallowell Center in Sudbury
Contact Cogmed Intake Coordinator Jarrod Goldstein: (978) 287-0810 x116
Cogmed Working Memory Training is a software-based intervention designed to improve working memory in children and adults with attention deficits. Through active and engaging exercise, participants train at home five days a week for five weeks.
What is working memory?
- It is the ability to keep information in your mind for a short time, focus on a task and remember what to do next.
- With a working memory deficit, it is difficult to stay focused, plan next steps, remember instructions, start and finish tasks.
- Studies show a deficit in working memory often leads to difficulties in reading comprehension and math.
Program Benefits:
- Improved ability to sustain attention
- Improved impulse control
- Better complex reasoning skills
- Better academic performance
How it Works:
Cogmed Working Memory software was initially created for children with attention deficits by game developers working closely with psychologists and medical researchers. CogmedRM consists of active and engaging exercises that automatically increase in difficulty as the participant improves. A robot guides children through the rotating exercises while providing encouraging feedback. As a reward, there is an optional racing game at the end of the session. Unlike other software-based training programs, a Personal Coach monitors results during the training and provides encouragement and feedback to the child. Cogmed Working Memory software has been developed for adults as well, CogmedQM,. Both Cogmed RM for children and teens and Cogmed Qm for adults are available at the Sudbury Hallowell Center.
What the research shows:
- Innovative approach using the latest technology
- Proven in placebo-controlled clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journal
- A clinically proven intervention for children and adults with attention deficits
- Actively improves working memory through training and is clinically proven.
- Improves ability to concentrate, use complex reasoning.
- 8 out of 10 individuals who have completed training show measurable results, most with significant improvements in attentiveness and complex reasoning skills
- Improvements to working memory are correlated to changes in frontal and parietal parts of the brain, the crucial parts of the brain using working memory.
- Parents and teachers report better academic performance
- When asked one year after training to report on their experience, 79% of parents whose children had benefited from training reported affects had remained or increased.
Who provides the service: Anita Pliner Ph.D, J.D
Anita Pliner, pediatric neuropsychologist and attorney, is Director and Clinical Manager of Cogmed Working Memory Training at the Hallowell Center. Dr. Pliner received her doctorate in psychology from Boston University and her law degree from Syracuse University. She completed a post doctoral NIMH fellowship is psychology and law and a fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at North Shore Children's Hospital, where she remained as a staff neuropsychologist for 10 years on a multidisciplinary assessment team. Prior to turning to clinical work, Dr. Pliner was on the faculty of both Green Mountain College and American International College, teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses in psychology.
Note: Cogmed Working Memory is not intended to be a substitute for health care provider’s consultation or a substitute for medication that a doctor may have prescribed. Results may vary. Effects or results in the individual can never be guaranteed. Visit cogmed.com for complete information.
