Understanding Working
Memory
Working memory is like your brain’s whiteboard. It briefly stores and manipulates information, then wipes it away. If you were asked to calculate a math problem like 23 - 12 in your head, your working memory would be in charge of both remembering the numbers "23" and "12" and calculating the answer 11.
Working memory is a brain system that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information necessary for complex cognitive tasks such as language comprehension, learning, and reasoning (Baddeley, 1992).
Working memory temporarily stores information for active processing. Unlike long-term memory, which preserves personal memories and skills, working memory lasts a short time and has a limited capacity. Unless we continue to attend to the information, it is only stored in working memory for 10-30 seconds. The average adult can hold up to 7 pieces of information in working memory. This is why phone numbers are 7 digits long!
Working memory is required in many tasks we do every day, here are a few examples:
writing down a phone number that’s told to you
following directions while driving
having a conversation while remembering what’s been said
mentally calculating the tip at a restaurant
reading and comprehension of complex sentences
Working Memory Impairment
Just like some people are naturally talented in music or sports, working memory skills vary from person to person. Also like music and sports, working memory can be improved through practice.
An impairment in working memory can cause challenges in all areas of life, from personal relationships to being on time. Depending on a person’s age and the demands of their life, working memory challenges will look different.
Early Elementary
In the classroom:
Difficulty following 2-3 step directions
Challenges recognizing patterns
Easily overwhelmed
At home:
Repeats the same question
Cannot independently complete chores with multiple steps
Upper Elementary
In the classroom:
Appears distracted or "checked out"
struggles to apply previous knowledge to new learning
Forgets the details of homework assignments (like writing their name at the top of the page)
At home:
Difficulty keeping up with conversations
Messy personal spaces
Takes longer than peers to complete a task
Middle School
In the classroom:
Struggles with mental math - prefers to write out even simple problems
Difficulty summarizing reading passages
Inconsistent performance in class versus on a test
At home:
Frequently interrupt because they forget the original point of the conversation
Loses track of belongings frequently
Constantly needs reminders, even for routine tasks like brushing teeth
High School
In the classroom:
Long-form writing assignments are disorganized and unstructured
Difficulty taking notes and listening at the same time
Inconsistent performance on sequential reasoning tasks, like solving word problems
At home and in relationships:
Difficulty maintaining long-term friendships
Forgets details shared by friends and family members
Relies on others to keep track of their schedule
College/Adult
At school or work:
Difficulty maintaining focus
Misses or forgets steps unless they are written down
Struggles with making connections across tasks, seeing the "big picture"
At home and in relationships:
Constant stress from feeling behind peers
Often is late to or misses appointments
Struggles managing personal finances
Underlying Causes of Working Memory Challenges
Working memory challenges are not behavioral or a result of low intelligence. Many bright and creative individuals have working memory differences. Sometimes working memory deficits are simply a result of your unique brain chemistry. Just like some people are tall or have curly hair, working memory abilities vary greatly from person to person.
Working memory deficits are associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and learning disabilities. Chronic brain injuries can also lead to difficulties with working memory tasks.
Your capacity for working memory is not fixed. Environmental and lifestyle factors cause someone with an otherwise strong working memory to experience limited working memory. You may have experienced an “off” day where your working memory is easily overloaded due to stress, lack of sleep, or not meeting nutritional needs.
Working memory deficits are rarely the sole cause of a learning or attention challenge. A strong working memory requires the development of prerequisite skills. Before an individual can remember and manipulate information, they must be able to attend to and perceive the information. Challenges in body-brain integration and processing skills can lead to greater difficulties with working memory.
Improving Working Memory: The Power of Neuroplasicity
Here is the exciting news: challenges with working memory do not have to be permanent. Your brain is incredibly adaptable. Neuroplasticity means your brain can rewire itself, creating new neural connections throughout your entire life.
Working memory isn’t a fixed trait - it's a skill that can be trained and improved.
Just like muscles, the more you exercise your brain, the stronger it becomes. Targeted, consistent practice can change your brain’s physical structure, improving working memory capacity and efficiency. Research shows that specific cognitive exercises, mindfulness practices, and strategic learning techniques can significantly enhance working memory.
Cognitive Exercises | Lifestyle Factors | Environmental Support |
Strategic, personalized brain training at NeuroAide | Regular physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain | Creating organized spaces reduces cognitive load |
Memory games and puzzles | Quality sleep allows the brain to consolidate learning | Using planners and calendars diligently and consistently |
Learning new skills or hobbies | Balanced nutrition provides essential brain-building nutrients | Breaking tasks into smaller steps to make them more manageable |
Challenging mental activities | Stress management and mindfulness practices | Establishing routines helps automate daily tasks |
Your brain is powerful, adaptable, and full of potential. Working memory challenges are not a limitation, but rather an opportunity for growth and learning!
If you or your child would benefit from working memory training, contact NeuroAide to schedule a FREE consultation.
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