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Cogmed Attention Training
Boost attention and learning stamina with working‑memory training—at home with oversight.
What is Cogmed?
Cogmed is a structured, evidence‑based working memory and attention training program for children, teens, and adults. Through a series of adaptive, game‑like exercises completed on a computer or tablet, Cogmed aims to strengthen working memory, to boost sustained attention, problem solving, reading comprehension, and following multi‑step directions.
Cogmed adapts to the student to keep tasks appropriately challenging. Progress is monitored by a trained Gemm Learning coach who guides motivation, pacing, and technique.
Cogmed is for students who:
- Have attention challenges, e.g., fatigue quickly or lose track mid‑task
- Struggle to hold information (e.g., multi‑step instructions)
- Have poor reading comprehension – difficulty recalling or processing what they read, and
- Adults seeking sharper focus, task completion, and mental endurance
How It Helps
Cogmed expands auditory and visuospatial working memory capacity and the ability to manipulate what’s being held in working memory.
- If your working memory is larger, you can hold more of what you are reading or listening to, making it easier to understand.
- If you are able to better manipulate what you are taking in—such as making inferences or comparing it to prior knowledge—you will be more engaged.
All of this directly improves focus and attention stamina.
While outcomes vary by individual, our goals with Cogmed typically include:
- Stronger attention & task persistence
- Improved following of directions
- Better reading comprehension and math problem-solving
- Stronger working memory
- More efficient learning, increase stamina during homework and tests
Note: Cogmed is a cognitive training program, not a medical treatment. We individualize expectations based on age, goals, and baseline profile as a standalone intervention or in combination with Fast ForWord.
There are correlations between working memory and intelligence, the logic being that the more you hold and manipulate in working memory, the better your understanding and insights. Albert Einstein had an outsized working memory that allowed him to process all the elements of his Theory of Relativity at one time.
Improved working memory also improves test-taking, as you are better able to understand the full questions by taking them all into working memory at one time. This includes IQ tests, which could explain why gains in working memory and intelligence are correlated.
“The CogMed program is *brilliant *. My working memory has increased from a consistent and reliable 3 items to sometimes managing 6 items while doing my “homework”. I still don’t gravitate to reading books per se, but my literacy skills are continually improving, and the gamification of the Gemm programs has made this part of healing from my TBI enjoyable. The day to day is a struggle, but I get to lose myself in learning for a while. I’m so grateful for Gemm Learning. It’s giving me my life back.”
The Science
Working memory (WM) is a core executive function that supports attention and learning.
Research indicates that targeted, adaptive practice can strengthen working memory performance and that these improvements generalize to everyday academic tasks.
Key pillars behind Cogmed:
- Adaptive difficulty – Tasks continuously scale so the learner trains near their optimal challenge level
- Distributed practice – Frequent, shorter sessions build capacity and strategy use over time
- Coaching & accountability – Motivation and technique are reinforced by a trained coach
- Measurement & feedback – Cogmed provides detailed training data to track progress and adjust pacing
We’re happy to share peer‑reviewed research summaries upon request and to discuss how WM training fits with Gemm Learning’s broader, neuroscience‑based approach. Contact us here.
How Cogmed Works at Home
While we do provide Cogmed as a stand-alone program, our recommendation is to pair Cogmed with Fast ForWord to provide a more robust and comprehensive intervention.
Consultation & Screening
- Brief intake call to clarify goals and history
- Review of prior evaluations (if available)
- Baseline measures of attention/WM and learning priorities
Custom plan
- Program selection (Cogmed version by age) and schedule set‑up
- Clear weekly targets and parent/learner roles
Training
- We recommend 5 sessions a week, 25 minutes a day
- Typical 6-10 weeks (20 hours of training)
- At home with remote check-ins, monitoring and program guidance
- Adjustments to ensure the right challenge and steady progress
Who Is It For?
- Ages 7 through adult
- Learners with attention challenges, slow work pace, forgetfulness in multi‑step tasks
- Students who do the work but can’t hold the pieces together long enough to perform
- Adults seeking sharper focus for study or work
FAQ
How long does it take?
The Cogmed program takes about 20 hours to complete. We recommend 25 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week, meaning the program takes 8-10 weeks to complete.
It’s possible to adjust the daily training length to 25 or 35 minutes, and to train 3 or 5 days per week instead. With these adjustments, it can take 5 to 13 weeks to complete Cogmed.
What age range can use Cogmed?
We recommend Cogmed for children 7 years of age and older, teens, and adults. For children, the goals are to accelerate learning efficiency, focus, and reading. For adults, the goals are work focus, study stamina, and task completion.
What are the Cogmed Standard and Light Differences?
Most students use Standard. Light allows for shorter sessions, fewer training days, or a reduced overall duration that suits some younger children or individuals who cannot manage Cogmed Standard.
Will Cogmed help with reading?
Cogmed targets working memory and attention, which underpin reading comprehension. We pair Cogmed with Fast ForWord.
Can I get Cogmed myself?
No. Cogmed is provided by qualified healthcare and education professionals all over the world, inlcuding Gemm Learning.
Not sure if working memory is the bottleneck? A brief consultation can help us map symptoms to likely causes and choose the right starting point.
Cogmed Exercise Examples
Small Circle (Light)
Click on the circles in the same order they were highlighted while it is all rotating, meaning the highlighted circles are moving. Over time, more circles are highlighted to start, and the wheel moves faster.
Random (Standard + Light)
The circles move to random positions before each new sequence is highlighted. The task is to remember the sequence and click on the circles in the order they were highlighted.
Digits (Standard)
When a full sequence of numbers is shown, input the numbers in reverse order. The sequence above was 5, 4, 6, so we need to input the digits in the order: 6, 4, 5.
Hidden digits (Standard)
Numbers are shown one by one. Input the digits in the reverse order. The lack of constant visual stimuli can make this exercise more difficult.
Getting started
- Talk to a specialist. Tell us your concerns, which we can connect to possible causes.
- Baseline & plan. If we recommend Cogmed, we can help develop a schedule.
- Train & review. Complete 8-12 weeks with constant overisght..
Do you have a psycho‑educational report? Share it with us so we can align Cogmed with existing recommendations.
Studies Showing Improved Attention After Cogmed
| Study | N | Age | Control Group | Attention Measure | Effect Size (d) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klingberg et al. (2005) | 53 | 7–12 | Active | DSM-IV Inattention Symptoms | d = 0.70 |
| Beck et al. (2010) | 52 | 7–17 | Wait-list | DSM-IV Inattention Symptoms | d = 0.76 |
| Green et al. (2012) | 26 | 7–14 | Active | RAST Off-task Behavior | d = 1.20 |
| Egeland (2013) | 67 | 10–12 | Wait-list | ARS (Attention Rating Scale) | d = 0.50 (parent), 0.40 (teacher), ns |
| Gropper et al. (2014) | 62 | 19–52 | Wait-list | ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) | d = 0.42 |
| Bigorra et al. (2015) | 66 | 7–12 | Active | ADHD Composite Score | d = 0.39 (parent), 0.69 (teacher) |
DSM-IV = Diagnostic criteria for inattention symptoms; RAST = Restricted Academic Setting Task; ARS = Attention Rating Scale; ASRS = Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale.