What is working memory?: For those unfamiliar with the concept working memory is a higher order, or more complex cognitive ability, involving the capacity to hold ideas or concepts or facts in mind, in the face of distractions and/or competing tasks. Put more simply, working memory refers to the ability to remember what you are planning to do or thinking about, even after you are distracted or have had to complete other tasks. Russell Barkley, PhD has focused on deficits in working memory as a key feature of ADHD. Specifically, Barkley hypothesizes that deficits in working memory result in individuals with ADHD being more likely to respond to immediate stimuli, i.e., have more difficulty with self-control or self-regulation, as well has having more difficulty planning and working towards longer term goals.
What is working memory training? The most widely known program for strengthening working memory is CogMed, a computer based working memory training program. Other programs include Cognifit and JungleMemory. These programs seek to strengthen working memory skills by having participants practice memory tasks, that are increasingly more demanding. Melby-Lervag and Hulme (2012) have compared this type of training to strength training where muscles are strengthened by repeated use.
How can one tell if working memory training helps? There have been a number of studies, and even a few reviews of studies, regarding the benefits of working memory training. The findings are quite variable, most likely due to the fact that the methodology (quality) of the studies was variable, ranging from case studies to well controlled research. Recently, Melby-Lervag and Hulme (2012) published a detailed review of the research on working memory training, a meta-analysis which compares and evaluates the findings of many studies. They evaluated both the quality and findings of these studies.
Does working memory training work for ADHD?: The answer appears to be no. Melby-Lervag and Hulme (2012) conclude that “when we focus on studies using robust design with treated controls and randomization, the effect is zero.” They go on to note that for attention problems there is “a small to moderate effect immediately after training but the effect is reduced to zero at follow-up.” They conclude that “working memory training procedures cannot, based on the evidence to date, be recommended as suitable treatment” for ADHD.
What are the implications of these findings?: The most reasoned conclusion one can draw is that for treating ADHD, the approaches that work best are medication and behaviorally oriented parent training approaches, for children and teens, and medication and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, for adults.
* Melby-Lervag M, & Hulme, C. “Is working memory training effective? A meta-analytic review.” Developmental Psychology. Advance online publication. (May 21, 2012)