Training of working memory in children with ADHD

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Working memory (WM) capacity is crucial for complex reasoning and often considered a fixed individual trait.
• Working memory deficits are characteristic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), linked to frontal lobe impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, intensive, and adaptive working memory training paradigm.
• To assess the transfer effects of working memory training on untrained cognitive tasks and motor activity in children with ADHD and young adults.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled design was employed to assess the training effects.
• Participants underwent intensive, adaptive training on working memory tasks.
• Cognitive performance and motor activity (head movements) were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Working memory training significantly improved performance on trained tasks.
• Training effects generalized to untrained visuo-spatial working memory tasks and complex reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices).
• Motor activity in children with ADHD was significantly reduced post-training.

Conclusions:

• Working memory performance can be substantially enhanced through targeted training.
• Training-induced improvements generalize to related cognitive functions and can impact motor activity.
• Working memory training shows promise as a clinical intervention for ameliorating ADHD symptoms.