Impact of Cognitive Remediation Therapy on Working Memory, Episodic Memory, and Attention in individuals with diagnosed or possible dyslexia

Background and aims: Working Memory focused, computerised, Cognitive Remediation has been found to be effective in improving cognitive deficits in a number of patient populations, such as schizophrenia and ADHD; particularly in relation to memory and attention. These deficits are also found in people with dyslexia, and as such it is possible that the same working memory programme might improve these deficits in the dyslexic population. The aim of this study is to see if that is the case, and if it also leads to improvements in reading skills. Methods: 16 participants with dyslexia underwent a controlled experimental study. Neuropsychological testing was conducted on all participants both before and after the intervention, which lasted a period of 5 weeks. During this time the intervention group underwent computerised, working memory training (half an hour a day, 5 days a week), and the control group went about their lives as normal. Analysis: A mixed covariance of analysis (ANCOVA) was used to compare the results between control and experimental group. The results were found to be non-significant. Implications: If successful, this programme can be utilised by individuals with dyslexia to improve their cognitive deficits and reading skills. The computerised nature of the programme enables it to be used independently, at home or in school environments