Cogmed for ADHD memory issues

[tejodouro]

Hi Dr.,
Our family is considering using the Cogmed Program for our 9 year old child who has ADHD.  I was wondering if you have an opinion regarding this program since your last posting in 2008? If so, what is the best age for a child to use the program? Am I expected to see an increase in the IQ score for short term memory after the program (our child has average IQ overall with mid 80s for memory but above average for other IQ components)? Are all providers of the program equally proficient or do I have to also research their credentials? Lastly, there was a research study done by the MIND institute about 18 months ago and I was wondering if there is any scientific evidence from the Institute or any other studies that Cogmed is an effective program for short term memory? are their any better programs for the money? thank you.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Cogmed Working Memory Training is a proven intervention for increasing working memory, an aspect of memory that typifies most children who display ADHD. When I say that it is a proven intervention, I mean that the program has been subjected to independent research investigations conducted by some of the leading universities in the United States and Europe. If you would like to examine the evidence yourself, please take a look at Cogmed.com. In regard to the practitioners, all are approved providers and have undergone training that authorizes them to provide the Cogmed program. So no, frommy experience you can be comfortable turning to any of the authorized providers who are listed on the Cogmed web site. After you examine the material, I'll be glad to answer any other questions you have about Cogmed. There is every reason to expect that your child's working memory skills will improve as a result of the Cogmed program. It is unique and, aside from medication, it is the only intervention that has been proven to have a positive impact on children with ADHD.

[tejodouro]

I have one more question regarding Cogmed.  Does Cogmed help with math reasoning? my child struggles with word problems and math that is not a simple computation (not rote). Thank you for your input.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

In regard to math reasoning, a fairly recent study in Great Britain that examined some effects of the Cogmed program did identify improvements in math reasoning when the children were studied six months after completion of the program.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I should have included that the study I mentioned above was conducted by Dr. Joni Holmes. You can hear her presentation if you go to the Cogmed web site (www.Cogmed.com), select Research and then select Studies. You will see a link to Dr. Holmes' presentation (which she delivered at a conference of providers from North America).

[tejodouro]

Thank you for all your help.  I am encouraged by the research reports on their web site. One issue that surprised me on their Web site is the statistics.  Under Cogmed's Q&A section, question 13 states that 5,000 people have used Cogmed in US and Canada.  Given that the CDC 2005 estimate of ADHD kids in the US alone is 4.4 Million kids, I am surprised that only 5,000 have used Cogmed in the US and Canada. I was wondering what is the reason for such a low usage? is it the price tag to the parents, the time commitment, or the fact that insrance does not cover it. Could you help me to understand this. Given the 80% success rate, I would assume that more parents would want their kids to use the program to supplement medication. Thank you again.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Relatively speaking, Cogmed Working Memory Training is a new intervention. Its use has increased remarkably during the several years it has been available in North America. The company maintains very strict quality control over the network of authorized providers, so each geographic area has providers but the network is not 'flooded' with providers. Certainly the cost is a factor. But, since CWMT is really unique in the field, its acceptance is constantly growing and its users are its greatest advocate.