Working Memory - the search engine of the mind
We use our working memory constantly in daily life helping us to perform
efficiently and effectively in academic, professional, and social
settings. Working memory is a key cognitive function, used in daily life that allows individuals to hold information -“online”- for brief periods of time, typically a few seconds, in order to complete a task. In other words, working memory is the ability to control attention in the face of distractions.
Recent scientific research conducted in the U.S. and Europe demonstrates that working memory is one of our most crucial cognitive capabilities, essential for countless daily activities like sustaining attention, following directions, carrying out multistep instructions, remembering information momentarily, complex reasoning or staying focused on a task or project. This broadened understanding of the importance of working memory can provide great hope to a range of people who suffer from working memory deficits, including children and adults with attention problems, people with learning disabilities, and victims of stroke and traumatic brain injury among others.
Working Memory Essentials
- WM is a key cognitive function used in daily life that helps you to hold information in mind -“online”- for brief periods of time (typically a few seconds).
- WM develops during childhood and adulthood; it reaches maximum capacity at around 30 years of age.
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WM gradually declines during aging.
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About 50% of the variance in general intelligence between individuals can be explained by differences in working memory capacity.
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Individuals with working memory difficulties may not “stick to” an activity and may fail to complete tasks
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WM is important because it provides a mental workspace in which we can hold information while mentally engaged in other relevant activities
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WM impairments are found in ADHD, learning disabilities, language processing disorders, stroke and traumatic brain injury victims, among others.
A workout for working memory
Scientific evidence shows that brain training will improve our working
memory. Even as adults, our brain has a certain plasticity: it can
actually change—shrink or grow—depending on what we do. It is so much
more important to train our child’s brain while it is still developing. Learn More