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About Working Memory

Working memory is the

search engine of the mind
Working memory is the cognitive function responsible for
keeping information online, manipulating it, and using it in your
thinking. It is the way that you delegate the things you
encounter to the parts of your brain that can take action. In this
way, working memory is necessary for staying focused on a task,
blocking out distractions, and keeping you updated and aware
about what’s going on around you.

We use our working memory constantly in daily life helping us to

perform efficiently and effectively in academic, professional, and
social settings. Cogmed exists to help you improve your working
memory to be better equipped to meet your challenges.

The guide below provides examples of how the working memory

works and how a working memory deficit disrupts daily life at
various age levels.

Age Working memory is crucial for… Indicators that a working memory needs exercise

Pre school
Learning the alphabet
Seems unwilling or unable to learn alphabet, numbers
Focusing on short instructions such as “Come brush your
teeth” Can’t focus long enough to grasp and follow instructions
Remaining seated to complete independent activities, Flits from one thing to another
such as puzzles

Elementary
school Reading and understanding the content (reading Reads (decodes) but does not understand or remember
comprehension) material read
Mental arithmetic Problems memorizing math facts
Interacting and responding appropriately in peer Difficulty participating in group activities (e.g. awaiting
activities such as playing on the school ground turn); makes friends but cannot keep them

Middle school
Does not begin or persist with homework without
Doing homework independently supervision
Planning and packing for an activity Packs but forgets items essential for activity
Solving multi-step math problems, especially word Reads the problem but can’t break it into
problems understandable parts
Participating in team sports Problems grasping rules of a game, functioning as a
“team player”

High school
Getting a driver’s license – and driving safely Problems with spatial awareness, reading and following
traffic cues
Understanding social cues, responding to demands of a
social situation Interrupts, talks excessively, doesn’t listen to others
Writing essays, reports Essays and reports are short, sloppy, and disorganized

College
Focusing on and following a conversation
Making and adhering to work plans, such as studying for
an exam successfully
Participating in group activities in school and socially
Sustaining focus and interest throughout lectures
Changes topics suddenly, makes irrelevant comments
Procrastinates, then tries to “cram” the night before an
exam
Doesn’t listen or participate during group activities
Falls asleep or “zones out” during lectures

Adults
Getting to work on time Frequently late to work
Meeting deadlines at work Often underestimates time required for a task
Prioritizing multiple activities Has problems breaking a project into manageable steps
Handling conflicts within the family Often loses temper with children and spouse

Seniors
Actively participate in group discussions Forgetfulness
Being able to perform what you are planning to do Distractability
Organizing your materials and activities Losing track of the topic in a conversation
Managing important financial transactions Misplacing things like glasses, mobile phone, keys etc

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