Did you know that our brains have a practically limitless capacity to store information on a long-term basis?
Despite this amazing ability we have a hard time recalling a 12-item grocery list. Working memory, which is functionally and biologically distinct from long-term memory, is the brain’s ability to keep track of and manipulate information over a short period of time. Working memory is typically limited to about 4 to 10 items and is important in everything
from remembering a grocery list to problem solving and reading comprehension. This type of memory is considered among the most important cognitive abilities that underlie general intelligence. Moreover, new research suggests that we can improve general intelligence by training and improving working memory.
In a study presented at the Bay Area Neuroscience Gathering in Jan of 2007, scientists found that training with Lumosity significantly improved working memory in a group of adults. The subjects in this experiment were evaluated with validated neuropsychological tests before and after training on the Lumosity program. After training for about 30 days, the subjects’ working memory improved by 15%. You can download a pdf presentation of the experimental details.
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