We want to congratulate Dr. Torkel Klingberg, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute and one of the founders of our partner Cogmed, on receiving the Philip’s Nordic Prize for his research on working memory training for children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The prize recognizes outstanding research in the field of neuropsychiatry and was presented by the Norwegian royal princess Märtha Louise at the Rikshospital in Oslo, Norway. Translating his research into an active training program, Klingberg co-founded Cogmed, a developer of software-based working memory training products headquartered in Stockholm. Cogmed’s rigorous and rewarding program combines computer-based training and personal coaching to help people with attention deficits strengthen their working memories. More than 80 percent of children who have completed Cogmed’s intensive five-week program have demonstrated dramatic and lasting improvements to their attention, impulse control and problem solving skills.

“I am honored and deeply grateful to receive this award,” said Klingberg. “It is a source of personal joy to see these advances positively affect the lives of children who struggle with attention deficits. This award will help continue the important research on working memory training being conducted at the Karolinska Institute.”

Further Reading

• Klingberg T, Fernell E, Olesen PJ, et al. Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD–a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2005;44:177-86.
• Interview with Dr. Klingberg
• Training the Brain: Cognitive Therapy as an Alternative to ADHD Drugs by Gunjan Sinha at Scientific American