Dual n-back training boosts verbal memory in ADHD adults
New study finds dual n-back training improves verbal memory in ADHD adults, linked to IQ performance.
Why it matters
- Dual n-back training improves verbal working memory in people with ADHD.
- This could help enhance cognitive functions closely linked to IQ test performance.
By the numbers
- 106 participants: 33 non-medicated ADHD, 42 medicated ADHD, and 45 controls.
- Training lasted at least 18 daily sessions within one month.
- Adaptive training showed a 204.6% improvement in controls, with a Cohen’s d effect size of 1.85.
The big picture
- Adaptive dual n-back training significantly improves verbal working memory.
- Transfer benefits to visuospatial domains are limited.
- Training protocols should be tailored to maximize cognitive outcomes.
What they're saying
- Short-term memory improvements are evident, but long-term transfer to everyday tasks is less certain.
- Similar findings were reported in a 2017 study by Hopkins.
Caveats
- Transfer benefits may not generalize to adolescents, older adults, or individuals with complex clinical profiles.
- Study conducted on young adults with ADHD without psychiatric comorbidities.
What’s next
- Further research could explore long-term transfer effects and applicability to other age groups and clinical profiles.