New Technique Improves Working Memory

By Kimberly Hudson

In June of 2006, 19-year-old Chris Tonelli of Ohio was afraid of operating the cash register where he worked during the summer.

Normally very outgoing and likable, he shrank from this seemingly simple task because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep track of the correct change each customer was owed.

Somehow, in the seconds it took to open the register drawer, the details of each transaction would slip away, leaving him awkwardly fumbling with the money as the customer’s patience was exhausted.

This wasn’t the first time that Chris had been held back by his inability to focus.

He was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, and school was a constant struggle.

He couldn’t follow instructions, and it took him much longer to complete assignments and tests, no matter how hard he tried.

Chris had a strong work ethic and excelled as a hockey player.

What was holding Chris back?

His life was about to change dramatically. His physician recommended that he try Cogmed, a successful, cognitive training program.

Working memory is the cognitive skill that allows us to hold and process information for brief periods of time.

Mounting evidence shows that it is the basis for learning, reasoning, planning and organizing.

For Chris, the goal was to rigorously exercise the part of his brain that was supposed to keep him focused on task and help him reason quickly under pressure.

Soon he found he could focus clearly, as if the world around him had slowed down.

At work, he began to handle multiple orders without missing a beat.

His bosses were astounded at the turnaround. Chris felt as though a great burden had been lifted and his confidence soared.

Today, thousands of children and adults around the world have unlocked their potential by improving working memory with Cogmed.

Some, like Chris, were born with deficits in working memory, including those with ADHD and other learning disabilities.

Others acquired deficits through stroke or the normal process of aging.

Still others were held back simply because of the hectic and demanding environment in which they struggled to focus.

If you are struggling with working memory, The Curious Edge can help. Info: www.thecuriousedge.com or (859) 899-7323 (READ).