Training of Working Memory

Working memory is the ability to keep information on-line for a brief period of time, which is essential for many complex cognitive tasks such as reading comprehension, problem solving and control of attention. In contrast to what was previously assumed, we have shown that systematic training can improve working memory capacity, in both children and adults. Brain imaging studies also show that working memory training leads to increased brain activity in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. Improving working memory capacity leads to better performance of a range of tasks that require working memory, such as problem solving and reading comprehension. Moreover, it translates to increased attentiveness in everyday life. Working Memory is a key function necessary for critical cognitive tasks Working memory is the ability to keep and manipulate information “online ” for a brief period of time. This ability can be measured for example by testing how many digits a subject can repeat back after hearing them once (verbal working memory) or how many positions a subject can remember after seeing them once (visual working memory)