Working Memory Isn't Working in ADHD: What to Do

Summary

Host Russ Barkley discusses the challenges of working memory in individuals with ADHD, drawing parallels to a GPS device guiding behavior over time. He emphasizes the need for external aids to compensate for poor working memory, suggesting low-tech solutions like sticky notes and to-do lists over high-tech alternatives. Barkley also addresses the importance of rehearsal and self-talk for adults and invites viewers to share their effective strategies for managing ADHD.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The host, Russ Barkley, humorously introduces himself as a 73-year-old man reviewing ADHD while dressed like Jack Sparrow.
• 📝 The episode focuses on the issue of working memory in individuals with ADHD and how it affects their ability to perform tasks and guide behavior.
• 🧠 Working memory is distinguished from long-term memory and is associated with the frontal lobe of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex.
• 🗺 There are two types of working memory systems: verbal, mainly in the left frontal lobe, and visual-spatial, which uses imagery and spatial information.
• 🚗 Working memory functions similarly to a GPS, guiding individuals toward goals and tasks with the use of images and self-talk.
• 🔑 The key to addressing working memory issues in ADHD is to offload the mental representations onto external devices or cues.
• 📑 Low-tech solutions like sticky notes, paper calendars, and journals are often more effective than high-tech devices for managing working memory.
• 🖼 Visual aids such as images, picture sequences, and symbols can serve as physical reminders to help individuals with ADHD remember tasks and routines.
• 📝 Adults with ADHD can benefit from making to-do lists and using self-talk during tasks to maintain focus and guide behavior.
• 🤔 Rehearsing strategies and creating 'when-then' plans can prime recall and help individuals remember what needs to be done when they reach a certain situation.
• 🗣 The host invites viewers to share their own tips and experiences in managing working memory issues, fostering a community of shared wisdom and experience.
• 🔍 The next lecture will challenge Jordan Peterson's theory of ADHD, addressing criticisms and providing evidence against the theory's validity.

Q & A

What is the title of the episode being discussed in the script?

The title of the episode is 'Working Memory Isn't Working'.

Who is the host of the 'Adventure before dementia' channel?

The host of the 'Adventure before dementia' channel is Russ Barkley.

What is the main focus of the episode in the script?

The main focus of the episode is on working memory and its challenges, particularly in individuals with ADHD.

What does the host suggest is a common problem among kids, teens, and adults with ADHD?

The host suggests that a common problem among kids, teens, and adults with ADHD is the difficulty with working memory.

What is the role of working memory according to the script?

Working memory is responsible for holding mental representations in mind that are pertinent to the tasks we have to do and that govern our behavior toward our goals and other activities.

What are the two working memory systems mentioned in the script?

The two working memory systems mentioned are the verbal working memory system and the visual imagery and spatial information system.

What does the host compare working memory to in the script?

The host compares working memory to a GPS device, guiding behavior over time toward a destination or goal.

What is one solution the host suggests to overcome working memory problems in individuals with ADHD?

One solution the host suggests is to offload working memory by using external storage devices or visual cues to prompt and guide behavior.

What are some of the low-tech solutions mentioned for offloading working memory?

Some low-tech solutions mentioned include using paper, sticky notes, cards, signs, symbols, pictures, and cues.

Why does the host believe that high-tech solutions might not be as effective for individuals with ADHD?

The host believes high-tech solutions might not be as effective because they require time and effort to use, can be misplaced or have dead batteries, and often require someone else to enter the information for them to be useful.

What does the host suggest as an alternative to high-tech solutions for adults with ADHD?

The host suggests using paper and pencil, to-do lists, and journals as alternatives to high-tech solutions for adults with ADHD.

What is the host's plan for the next lecture?

The host plans to address Jordan Peterson's theory of ADHD and provide evidence against it in the next lecture.

What does the host encourage viewers to do if they have found useful tips for dealing with ADHD?

The host encourages viewers to share their useful tips through the reply button on the video so that others can benefit from their experiences.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 Introduction to ADHD and Working Memory

Host Russ Barkley opens the episode with a playful introduction, alluding to his energetic persona and the uniqueness of his channel, which covers ADHD topics. He mentions his recent activities, including a contract renewal with 'Moose' and a local brewery visit. The main topic of the episode is introduced as 'working memory' in relation to ADHD, a common problem that affects individuals' ability to hold and utilize information effectively. Barkley emphasizes the importance of working memory for guiding behavior and achieving goals, drawing a parallel to a GPS system that uses images and words for navigation.

05:00

🧠 Understanding Working Memory and ADHD

In this segment, Barkley delves into the concept of working memory, explaining its role as a cognitive function that actively holds information guiding behavior over time. He clarifies that working memory is not about storing facts but about remembering actions, promises, and goals. Barkley highlights the presence of two working memory systems in the frontal lobe: one verbal and the other visual-spatial. He uses the analogy of a GPS to illustrate how these systems work together, comparing the process of setting goals and pursuing them to entering a destination into a GPS device.

10:00

📚 Strategies for Enhancing Working Memory in ADHD

Barkley discusses strategies to address the working memory challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. He suggests offloading working memory by using external aids to compensate for the inability to hold information internally. He lists various low-tech and high-tech solutions, such as sticky notes, calendars, and digital devices, but emphasizes that low-tech methods like paper and pencil are often more effective due to their simplicity and accessibility. Barkley also mentions the use of imagery, picture sequences, and to-do lists as practical tools to help keep track of tasks and goals.

15:02

🔍 Upcoming Lecture on Debunking ADHD Theories

In the final paragraph, Barkley announces his next lecture's focus, which will be a critique of Jordan Peterson's theory of ADHD. He addresses criticism he received on a previous video and promises to provide evidence against the theory, which he deems as weak and not comprehensive. Barkley invites viewers to share their own strategies for managing ADHD and to join him for the upcoming lecture, where he will further discuss the validity of ADHD theories.

Keywords

💡ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. In the video, the host discusses ADHD in relation to working memory problems and how it affects the ability to perform tasks. The host also mentions strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.

💡Working Memory

Working memory refers to the brain's ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. The host describes it as essential for guiding behavior towards goals and tasks. He compares working memory to a GPS system, helping individuals with ADHD to stay on track by offloading tasks onto external aids.

💡Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for executive functions, including working memory, decision-making, and planning. The host explains that working memory is located in the frontal lobes, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which helps guide behavior by holding mental representations of tasks and goals.

💡Offloading

Offloading in the context of the video refers to the strategy of transferring cognitive tasks from the mind to external devices or aids to compensate for working memory deficits in individuals with ADHD. Examples include using sticky notes, calendars, and other physical reminders to help guide behavior.

💡Executive Brain

The executive brain, primarily the prefrontal cortex, is responsible for higher-order functions such as planning, decision-making, and working memory. The host emphasizes its role in activating knowledge and guiding performance over time, which is often impaired in individuals with ADHD.

💡Self-Talk

Self-talk is the practice of talking to oneself, either silently or out loud, to guide behavior and focus on tasks. The host mentions self-talk as a strategy that can help adults with ADHD maintain attention and stay on track, although it is less effective in children.

💡Visual Imagery

Visual imagery involves using pictures and visual sequences to represent tasks and goals, helping to guide behavior. The host discusses how visual aids can be particularly useful for individuals with ADHD, as they often struggle with maintaining mental representations in their working memory.

💡Performance Disorder

A performance disorder refers to the difficulty in performing tasks and behaviors despite knowing what to do. The host describes ADHD as a performance disorder where individuals know what needs to be done but struggle to execute those tasks due to working memory deficits.

💡External Storage Devices

External storage devices in the video refer to tools like sticky notes, calendars, and digital devices that help individuals with ADHD manage their tasks and goals. The host advocates for their use to offload working memory and provide physical reminders that can prompt action.

💡Prosthesis

In this context, prosthesis refers to external aids and devices that support cognitive functions, similar to how physical prosthetics support bodily functions. The host suggests using these aids to help individuals with ADHD compensate for their working memory challenges by providing external reminders and guides.

Highlights

Introduction to the episode with a humorous take on the host's persona and the uniqueness of the channel.

Mention of the host's personal experience with nasal spray and its impact on his behavior, adding a personal touch to the episode.

Update on 'Moose' getting his contract renewed, showcasing a personal connection with the audience.

Discussion on working memory issues common among individuals with ADHD, setting the theme for the episode.

Explanation of working memory as a critical component for guiding behavior over time.

Differentiation between two working memory systems: verbal and visual imagery.

Analogy of working memory to a GPS device, simplifying the concept for better understanding.

The importance of offloading working memory to external devices due to its limitations in ADHD.

Suggestion of using low-tech solutions like sticky notes and paper for offloading working memory.

Advantages of paper and pencil over high-tech solutions for individuals with ADHD.

Recommendation of using imagery and picture sequences to aid in task performance.

The effectiveness of to-do lists and the physical act of writing them down for task management.

The role of self-talk during tasks to maintain focus and guide behavior.

Importance of mental rehearsal of strategies and when-then plans to prime recall and action.

Invitation for audience participation to share their own tips and experiences.

Preview of the next episode's topic: addressing criticism and discussing Jordan Peterson's theory of ADHD.

Closing remarks with a humorous and light-hearted sign-off, encouraging audience engagement.

Transcripts

Hello friends welcome to another episode

of Adventure before dementia I'm your

host Russ Barkley and on what other

channel would you be able to see a 73

year old man dress up like Jack Sparrow

and do a research review on ADHD much

less follow that up with a rather

hypomanic 73 year old man who discusses

the keys to success in kids and teens

with ADHD and then blames His Manic free

associative episode on his nasal spray

well I have to tell you I'm back on the

nasal spray still so look out after all

I've had another dose of this stuff so

not going to miss my

shot

shout out to Hamilton there

in news and I know inquiring subscribers

want to know did moose get his contract

renewed well yes he did and he took me

out for a beer at a local Craft brewery

just outside Richmond the other day and

here we are enjoying our outing so shout

out to moosey as well thanks buddy glad

you got the contract don't ask for a

raise yet hope to see you on a future

episode

today I want to talk to you about

working memory and what to do about this

problem that is so common among kids

teens and adults with ADHD and I title

this working memory isn't working and

instead what you have is this this

cluster of Shrubbery so to speak in the

mind when it comes to holding things in

mind that we need to do to guide

Behavior over time because after all

working memory is memory being put to

work so my thanks to freepik.com for the

use of this free picture and by

photographer Diller

this particular lecture is also based

upon my book for parents on 12

principles for raising a child with ADHD

so have a look at that if you'd like

more content is in there than I can

cover in this brief presentation

now as you know I've already spoken

about the fact that working memory is

not very good in people with ADHD when I

talk to you about the brain as a

knowledge performance device so I'm not

going to go into that other than to

highlight once again that we have

knowledge Acquired and stored in the

back part of our brain and then when we

activate that it moves forward into the

frontal lobe and used to guide Motor

Performance so mental representations

about knowledge time goals tactics is

activated and then is used by the

frontal lobe the executive brain in

order to guide performance over time and

that's what working memory is all about

holding mental representations in mind

that are pertinent to the tasks we have

to do and that govern our Behavior

toward our goals and other activities

it's a very special kind of memory it's

not remembering information that's in

the hippocampus of the brain now this is

remembering the doing the things we have

agreed to do the promises we made the

goals we've been assigned and so forth

very special function of the frontal

particularly the prefrontal lobes this

is where working memory is located now

as I've said it's this kind of

information actively effortfully held in

mind that his guiding Behavior over time

and it allows us to do what we know to

perform that knowledge that we acquired

now most people don't realize that there

are two working memory systems in the

frontal lobe that work together one is

the verbal working memory system

predominantly over in the left side

where speech tends to be located in the

frontal lobe and the other is the use of

visual imagery and other spatial

information that we can also use to

guide Behavior over time toward our

goals so you can think of this this like

we think of the GPS in our car or the

GPS on our cell phones we have images

and words self-talk

that guide us over time toward a

destination a goal so when we have a

goal that we have decided to pursue

toward a future event that we need to

prepare for

we upload the relevant images of the

past that's the maps that's our

hindsight we then also upload our

self-speech to enhance that and to give

us directions over time we then think

about the best way to pursue our goal

it's like a GPS comparing different

routes to see which might be the most

efficient that's foresight and then we

use those images in words to guide us

toward our destination just like this

GPS picture of my Apple cell phone GPS

here where we would enter a destination

and the GPS would then activate a plan

and use images of the route along with

verbal guidance of the instructions to

get us over time toward our goal

effectively so working memory is very

similar to like a GPS device in terms of

what information we're using and what

it's being used to do which is to govern

Behavior over time

so how can we help people kids and

adults with ADHD make important

information physical in order to

overcome this working memory problem so

one solution of course is to offload the

working memory

so we know that people with ADHD don't

have adequate working memory that they

cannot do what they know

and so they can't hold information in

mind and it leads them to have this

performance disorder I talked about in

another video clip here so as I said

there it's not a problem with knowing

what to do but with doing what you know

and that's that working memory capacity

that's allowing us to do that skill

training will not address this problem

because skill training is just putting

more information in the back part of the

brain about what to do it doesn't help

us do it

so we need to make accommodations in the

environment around us around people with

ADHD even typical people do this put it

at the point of performance in order for

it to prompt and queue our knowledge of

what to do here and more importantly

help that information guide us toward

the task at hand or the goal that we

have decided to pursue so this is a form

of creating prosthesis artificial

devices in the environment scaffolding

if you want to call it that to help

people with ADHD recall and use what

they know

so what can we do about this problem

well there are lots of things that you

can do and you can read about them more

in books but I'm just going to highlight

some on the next two slides to get you

started here the most important thing I

think is to Simply understand the

principle here

if mental representations cannot be held

adequately in mind and can't govern our

Behavior

then offload those representations

outside the brain onto some other

external storage device

that will be more compelling in our

visual field and guide us more likely

toward our tasks and goals so off-load

working memory it's a great principle to

keep in mind as to how to overcome these

problems and there are a variety of

storage devices for doing that including

hello paper sticky notes cards signs

symbols pictures cues anything I can get

into that visual field

put on at the stuff I need to remember

even if it's just little short phrases

that prompt me to understand that

sequence of activities and put it where

I need to perform the work to help me

show what I know now you can use high

tech as well you can use digital

recording devices you can use things in

your computer like your calendar or

Outlook or other

sort of time management scheduling

devices and that's fine but in our

experience they don't work as well as

the low-tech paper and pencil notes and

journals and other things and the reason

for that is that the technology

requires a certain amount of investment

of time and effort in its own part first

of all you have to find the device hello

most people with ADHD often wind up

misplacing their electronic devices like

their cell phones number two have they

charged the battery right it's not going

to do you any good if it's out of power

can you find the power cord to charge

the darn thing up with that can also be

another problem and on top of that most

importantly somebody's got to enter the

information in the smart device for that

device to do its job through the apps

we're using in order to guide our

Behavior over time who's going to do

that maybe a partner or a spouse a

friend a parent but usually the adult

with ADHD kind of passes on at because

it's a rather boring thing of uploading

things in advance that are going to

guide us toward our goals and tasks

maybe putting things in a calendar for

instance so for a variety of reasons not

to mention the fact that the device has

to be with you and on in order for it to

activate your your reminders and

therefore your behavior paper and pencil

that we have found is much better like a

week at a glance calendar a journal that

you keep with you at all times the

sticky notes that we've talked about

before and other things where you can

write down what needs to get done and

that paper is there no power cords no

charging no devices no uploading it's

there to work and I have found for the

adults with ADHD that I and my

colleagues have worked with we all

report that that seems to do better than

high tech you can also use imagery you

can use pictures you can pull them out

on your computer if you have to be

working on your computer and show a

image of the reward you're going to get

the goal that you're pursuing you can

also create picture sequences if you

have children these were often used for

children on the autism spectrum but they

work well for people with ADHD

particularly kids where you create

picture sequences of various routines

and the steps that need to be done so

that the Picture Tells the story we

don't need to be reading lots of do

lists to them as to what needs to be

done so you can try that as well there

are lots of picture sequences on the

internet for use with children and teens

on the Spectrum are those with ADHD so

think about using those if you can find

some that are pertinent to the tasks

that you're having trouble with simply

drawing pictures with arrows on your

journal or on a piece of paper that show

the sequence in which you want to do

these little visual if you will

hieroglyphs or reminders of the steps in

the task that can also serve like a

picture sequence can in addition to that

make important rules or other reminder

others physical as well using to-do

lists this is more for adults than kids

kids we can make short little sticky

notes or picture sequences but for

adults there's nothing like the

well-worn out use of Duelists that we

all use to keep us coming back to task

and to pursue the goals we had set for

ourselves that morning or that day so

wherever it's important for us to

remember certain information we ought to

have paper and pencil and be able to

make lists there including this

proverbial do list as we get older we

can encourage the use of these doulas in

a variety of settings at work in college

at school as well as even while we're

driving if we're trying to remember the

various errands that were out running

this morning to help our family with

whatever the tasks happen to be

self-talk during tasks can be somewhat

helpful to adults not so helpful to kids

because self-talk in young children is

isn't very controlling of their behavior

the way it is in older teens and adults

but simply talking to yourself

sub-vocally or out loud while you're

doing a task to help keep your mind on

task can be another thing that you can

do you can also rehearse strategies

beforehand in your mind rehearsing what

are called when then plans when I get to

work these are the things that I need to

get done we find that when we have

rehearsed information it is more likely

to remain active or more likely to get

activated when we finally get into that

upcoming situation it's kind of a way of

priming our recall with the things that

we had planned to do when we get there

you can even write these plans down if

you want to on a file card and take them

into work or school or even at home with

you to help guide your behavior over

time there's lots of tips there there's

many more I'm sure that you can come up

with on your own if you've come up with

other that you found to be very useful

tips would you please share them through

the reply button on this video so that

others can benefit from your hard earned

wisdom and experience so thank you so

much for participating in this lecture I

hope that you will plan on joining me

for my next lecture next week I'm going

to once again take on Jordan Peterson's

theory of ADHD as an inopportunity to

play the reason for that is that out of

about 33 000 views about 10 people were

rather critical of the video saying that

I didn't cover the evidence adequately

that disproves uh Jordan's Theory why is

it me that has to produce that evidence

in science it's the person making the

hypothesis that has to have the evidence

and as you know his evidence was weak

but we'll we'll tackle that next week

when we'll give these squeaky Wheels a

little empirical Grease walk through the

information and evidence as to why that

particular point of view is dead wrong

what Richard Dawkins might call nonsense

on stilts and show you that this this

idea that immature juvenile rats who

were not allowed to play went on to

develop an ADHD like Behavior was not

correct and certainly not applicable as

a comprehensive theory of ADHD so there

you go uh come back I'll try to get that

video prepared faster than Barbie can

conspire to tackle a cabal of evil white

men we're going to get on with that

video early next week so thanks so much

for joining me I hope you found this

very informative and we will catch you

on the next video thanks everybody be

well and keep laughing