Cogmed Working Memory Training

Working memory is the mental workspace used to briefly hold and work with information. For example, you use working memory when remembering the beginning of a sentence while reading the end, following directions containing several steps, doing a calculation in your head or returning to a task after an interruption. Working memory is not the same as long-term memory and it is only one part of overall cognitive functioning.

Cogmed is a digital cognitive training programme containing adaptive visual and verbal exercises. The programme adjusts the level of difficulty according to performance so that the exercises remain challenging. It is more structured and intensive than a casual brain-training game.

Cogmed may be considered for someone with ADHD when working-memory or attentional difficulties are affecting everyday functioning. However, Cogmed does not assess or diagnose ADHD and should not be presented as a cure. It may be used as one part of a wider support plan alongside appropriate clinical care, medication, psychological support, coaching, educational adjustments or workplace support.

No. Eligibility is based on your individual difficulties, goals, clinical circumstances and ability to engage with the programme — not simply on whether you have a diagnosis.

No. Cogmed is a training programme and not a diagnostic assessment. Performance within Cogmed should not be used on its own to diagnose ADHD, a learning difficulty, cognitive impairment or another medical or psychological condition.

The APIS Clinician-Guided Programme includes an initial suitability consultation, access to the Cogmed training platform, 25 adaptive training sessions, an individually agreed training timetable, five coaching check-ins, practitioner monitoring of training progress, support with engagement and practical barriers, a final review and a brief written summary.

Completing a cognitively demanding programme consistently can be difficult, particularly for someone already experiencing attention, motivation or organisational difficulties. The practitioner helps you establish a realistic routine, reviews engagement, discusses difficulties and supports you in completing the programme. Coaching does not mean that an improvement can be guaranteed, but it provides structure and accountability throughout the process.

The programme consists of 25 sessions, usually completed over approximately 5–10 weeks. Your timetable will be agreed at the beginning of the programme. The precise schedule may be adapted to your circumstances while maintaining sufficient consistency.

Most sessions take approximately 30–50 minutes. We recommend allowing up to one hour so that you have enough time to prepare, complete the exercises and take brief breaks where appropriate.

Cogmed is designed to be challenging. The exercises adapt to your performance and may become more difficult as you progress. It is normal to make mistakes or find some exercises demanding. The purpose is not to achieve a perfect score but to engage consistently with an appropriate level of challenge.

Training is normally completed remotely at home or in another quiet and suitable setting. You should choose a time and place where interruptions can be kept to a minimum.

You will usually need a laptop or desktop computer, a reliable internet connection, a handheld computer mouse, a suitable desk and chair, and a quiet training environment. A computer is recommended rather than a mobile phone. Technical requirements will be confirmed before you begin.

Yes. Cogmed provides a free online demonstration that allows you to see the exercises and experience the general training format. The demonstration is shorter and easier than the full programme. Completing it does not confirm that the full programme will be clinically suitable for you.

The practitioner will discuss the difficulties you would like to address, your goals and expectations, your relevant medical and mental-health history, any current treatment or medication, your ability to complete the training schedule, any accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments, and whether another form of assessment or support may be more appropriate. You should not purchase or begin the programme until suitability has been confirmed.

Cogmed may not be appropriate where a person cannot engage reliably with computer-based training, cannot commit to the programme, or has clinical needs that require a different or more immediate intervention. Additional clinical review may be required if there is epilepsy or a history of seizures, photosensitivity, a significant neurological condition, a recent head or brain injury, significant visual or motor difficulties, an acute mental-health problem, or another medical concern that could affect participation. Having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean that Cogmed is unsuitable. APIS may request further information or advice from your treating clinician before making a decision.

In many cases, Cogmed can be completed alongside prescribed ADHD medication or other treatment. Medication should continue to be taken only as directed by your prescriber. Cogmed coaching does not include starting, stopping or changing medication unless this is being managed separately through an appropriate APIS prescribing pathway.

No. Cogmed is not a direct substitute for medication, psychological therapy, ADHD coaching or other clinically recommended support. Where appropriate, it may be offered as one part of a broader and individualised care plan.

Responses vary. Some people may notice changes in their ability to manage particular working-memory demands or may feel more confident when completing cognitively demanding tasks. Other people may notice improvement mainly within the exercises themselves, and some may experience little meaningful change. APIS Clinic cannot guarantee improvements in ADHD symptoms, academic grades, examination performance, employment performance, general intelligence, wider executive functioning, or everyday memory and concentration. Your final review will consider both your training progress and your own experience of any changes outside the programme.

The platform records engagement and performance during the exercises. Your practitioner will use this information alongside coaching discussions and your own experience of the programme. Training scores are not equivalent to a formal cognitive assessment and should not be interpreted as proof of a clinical improvement.

Please contact your practitioner if you miss sessions or are finding it difficult to continue. The schedule can sometimes be adjusted within the agreed programme period. A short interruption does not necessarily prevent completion, but regular engagement is important.

We will discuss the reasons and consider whether the timetable can reasonably be adjusted. Where continuing is not appropriate, the programme may be stopped. Fees for programme access, consultations or coaching already provided may not be refundable. The applicable cancellation and refund terms will be explained before enrolment.

For participants aged 16 or 17, a parent or guardian would usually be involved in the initial arrangements and may help support the training routine. The young person’s wishes, capacity, confidentiality and individual circumstances will be taken into account when agreeing the level of parental involvement. Adults may also choose to involve a partner, relative or other supportive person, where appropriate and with consent.

You will have a final review with your APIS practitioner. This will consider your engagement with the programme, progress recorded within Cogmed, your experience of the training, whether you have noticed changes in everyday activities, strategies for maintaining progress, and whether any further assessment or support may be helpful. A brief written summary will be provided.

A Booster Programme may be available for people who have previously completed the full Cogmed programme and would like to undertake a refresher. Suitability will be reviewed before further access is provided.