Cogmed Working Memory Training
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What is Working Memory? Working memory is a key cognitive function that allows us to hold information in mind for short periods of time (typically a few seconds). It develops during childhood and adulthood; it reaches maximum capacity at around 30 years of age. Working memory is an important part of the human brain that is used for everything from recalling a person’s name to driving a car. Below are some of the key facts that we know about this essential cognitive ability:
Working memory is essential to carry out complex tasks such as learning, reasoning, and understanding. In daily life you use working memory to solve problems remember plans or instructions of what to do next.
Working memory has several functions. An important one is to hold one bit of information active while working with another. Working memory is like a very active computational unit that not only holds information, but also actively processes this current information in connection with the vast files of longer-term memory. Research now tells us that there is a strong link between working memory capacity and the ability to resist distractions and irrelevant information. One study used the so called “cocktail party effect”, i.e. our ability to focus on one voice despite noisy surroundings, and showed that this ability is related to working memory capacity. Recent studies have also shown that low working memory is related to being “offtask” and daydreaming.
There's Good News! New studies indicate that the neural systems underlying working memory are plastic, i.e. they can change. Improving your brain's working memory capacity is a good method for increasing your IQ. Cogmed
Working Memory Training is a computer-based service that helps
people
increase their working memory capacity. Cogmed
is
designed to improve working memory, now known to be a key deficit in
individuals with reading comprehension
& math difficulties, ADHD, learning disorders,
and
cognitive decline caused by aging or
stroke. Clinically-proven results demonstrate that after training, users improve their ability to concentrate and better utilize complex reasoning skills. After using Cogmed Working Memory Training, you literally build new neural connections – connections that will remain and will help you continue to experience better memory and focus in the future. The effects are clinically strong, lasting, in children, young, middle-aged and older adults.
− Improved memory − Improved ability to sustain attention − Better complex reasoning skills − Improved ability to complete tasks without being distracted − Improved ability to concentrate − Increased organizational skills − Increased ability to filter irrelevant information and focus on what's important − Greater efficiency − An obvious advantage for those facing the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT exams − Knowing why you entered a room and finding your keys Signs of Working Memory Deficits are:
− Difficulty starting and finishing tasks − Difficulty prioritizing tasks − Resisting tasks requiring sustained mental effort − Forgetting instructions & detailed information − Disorganization − Poor sense of time − Procrastination − Distractability − Difficulty planning next steps − Problems breaking a project down into manageable tasks rather than panicking
Learn More about Working Memory
Cogmed is a Comprehensive
Computer-Based
Program: − Training takes place at home five days a week for five weeks and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. An office visit is NOT necessary. Included are 100 mini-sessions for one year after training ends. − The software automatically increases in difficulty gradually improving an individual's abilities. − Every participant has a Personal Coach who leads the training, analyzes results and provides information and encouragement during weekly phone calls.
To learn more about this program, email Dr. Shansky or call 312.616.0006.
The Results are Clinically Proven:
Cogmed Working Memory Training is scientifically validated by placebo-controlled clinical studies published in leading medical journals, and there is on-going research at several leading U.S. Universities. Cogmed Working Memory Training is an intervention backed by peer-reviewed placebo-controlled studies published in leading medical journals. 8o% of those who complete training show measurable improvement in complex reasoning skills. Training has lasting effects empirically validated after one year. For a small sample of this program try it out at Take the Cogmed Challange Cogmed Working Memory Training is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider's consultation or a substitute for medication that a doctor may have prescribed. Naturally, results vary. The effects on any one individual cannot be guaranteed.
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