CPS is proud to offer Cogmed Working Memory Training.  We have several specialized coaches who work under the direction of Dr. Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, in order to provide this adjunct therapy for individuals with working memory deficits. 

Working Memory Training  
Judith Aronson-Ramos, M.D.

Cogmed is an intensive computer-based treatment intervention for children and adults. There are three versions of the program: Cogmed JM for 5-9 year olds, Cogmed RM for 7 years old and up, and Cogmed QM for adults. The program is completed at home over a 5-week period with coaching support from trained staff members, who work under the direction of a physician or psychologist. 

Cogmed is designed to improve working memory, now known to be a key deficit in many individuals with ADHD, learning disorders, reading comprehension & math difficulties, cognitive slowing, and other problems. Working memory is a function of the brain that helps an individual temporarily store and manage information required to carry out complex thinking tasks. In daily life, working memory is used for things as diverse as remembering instructions, solving problems, controlling impulses, social skills, focus, and attention.

The Cogmed Program was developed in Stockholm at the prestigious Karolinska Institute, known for cutting-edge medical treatments and research. The research on the Cogmed Intervention Program, some of which has already been published in leading scientific and medical journals, shows clinically significant improvements in the functioning of individuals who complete the training program. Research is ongoing in Sweden, as well as in the United States at Notre Dame, Harvard, Stanford, and NYU. Information about the research is available on the Cogmed website at www.cogmed.com.

The actual treatment program involves at-home, computer-based training for 30-45 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks.  The exercises are similar to computer games, but the computer adjusts the level of difficulty (through internet synchronization with a large data base) so the child or adult is always pushing him or herself.  The parents, or other caregivers, will be taught the necessary techniques and strategies to be a “training aide” to their child in order to obtain the maximum benefits from the program. Additionally, the Cogmed coach will be providing weekly telephone or email contact to assist parents and will be tracking daily progress by continuously analyzing performance data. The program requires a commitment to adhering to a consistent training schedule in order to get the optimal results.

In terms of “real world” functioning, improvement ranges from moderately good to excellent.  In some cases, results are apparent as early as the third or fourth week of training. In other cases, however, results emerge slowly and begin to become apparent only after training is completed. One of the most exciting aspects of the training is that results are long-lasting: over 80% of those who improve either maintain their gains or actually continue to improve over time at one-year follow-up.  Furthermore, the program now includes a year-long extension training program, which consists of abbreviated training sessions that are self-paced once the intensive five-week program is completed. Completion of the extension training is optional, but it is included upon enrollment.

What results can I expect?
Based on the data collected thus far by professionals in North America and worldwide, the gains reported include improvements in the following areas:

• Taking of initiative with homework and chores.
• Memory for directions, routines, instructions, information, etc.
• Frustration tolerance (e.g., thinking before reacting; fewer “meltdowns”).
• Ability to focus and sustain attention, as well as to re-focus when attention starts to wander.
• Reading comprehension.
• Math performance.
• Self-confidence and overall maturity.
• Independent completion of tasks.
• Organization of notebooks, materials, and planners.
• Impulsivity and hyperactivity.
• Social skills (i.e., more connected to others).
• Cognitive decline due to stroke, aging, or traumatic brain injury.

Go to www.cogmedprofiles.com for vignettes of individuals who have completed the training.
How do I start?

If you are not already an established patient, the process of enrolling will require a telephone screening to be sure that the program is appropriate for you or your child. This will be followed by an in-office, start-up visit to launch the program.

For established patients who qualify for the intervention, we will be able to begin the program as soon as you have been properly trained on its use at an in-office, start-up session.

The total cost of the program for Cogmed RM, QM, or JM includes the following:

• Initial screening procedures.
• One hour in-office, start-up session.
• Five weekly telephone or email-based coaching sessions.
• Ongoing coaching analysis of data and training.
• Thirty-minute wrap-up session.
• Six month follow up.

It is important to consider that results with Cogmed are long term and are demonstrated in actual imaging studies of the brain. When comparing Cogmed to programs with similar intent or claims, you will find Cogmed stands alone with well-validated, published research in major scientific and medical journals (See www.cogmedresearch.com).


If you have any further questions about the Cogmed Working Memory Training program, please feel free to contact our office.