Working Memory Explained: Signs, Examples and Everyday Challenges

Have you ever forgotten a phone number moments after hearing it, walked into a room and forgotten why you went there, or struggled to follow several instructions at once? Experiences like these are often linked to working memory, an important cognitive skill that helps us manage information in the moment.

What Is Working Memory?

Working memory is the ability to temporarily hold and use information while completing a task.

It acts like a mental workspace, helping us keep information accessible long enough to think about it, manipulate it, or use it to make decisions.

Working memory is involved in many everyday activities, including:

• Following instructions
• Completing mental calculations
• Remembering what you were about to say
• Organising tasks
• Taking notes during meetings
• Reading and understanding information
• Managing multiple steps within a process

Without working memory, even simple activities can become more difficult because information is lost before it can be used.

Working Memory vs Long-Term Memory

People often assume that working memory and long-term memory are the same thing, but they serve different purposes.

Working Memory

Working memory is short-term and active.

Examples include:

• Remembering a phone number long enough to dial it
• Following verbal instructions
• Keeping track of items while shopping

Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory stores information over extended periods.

Examples include:

• Remembering your first school
• Knowing how to ride a bicycle
• Recalling a favourite recipe

Someone may have an excellent long-term memory while still experiencing difficulties with working memory.

What Do Working Memory Difficulties Feel Like?

Working memory challenges can affect many aspects of daily life.

Common experiences include:

• Forgetting instructions shortly after hearing them
• Losing track of conversations
• Losing your train of thought mid-sentence
• Difficulty completing multi-step tasks
• Frequently misplacing items
• Needing reminders for routine activities
• Re-reading information several times

These experiences can be frustrating because the information was understood initially but was not retained long enough to be used effectively.

Real-World Example: Mark

Mark attends a meeting and receives four action points.

At the time, everything makes perfect sense.

By the time he returns to his desk, he can only remember two of the tasks and struggles to recall the remaining details.

Mark is not uninterested or incapable. His difficulty lies in holding and using information long enough to act on it.

Signs of Working Memory Difficulties

Forgetting Verbal Instructions

People may remember the first part of an instruction but lose track of later steps.

Losing Track During Conversations

Complex discussions may become difficult when several pieces of information need to be held in mind simultaneously.

Difficulty with Multi-Step Tasks

Activities such as cooking, project planning or following procedures may require constant checking of instructions.

Frequent Note Taking

Many individuals develop strategies such as detailed notes, reminders and calendars to compensate for working memory challenges.

Working Memory and Executive Function

Working memory is one component of executive function.

Executive functioning helps us:

• Plan tasks
• Prioritise activities
• Manage time
• Control attention
• Hold relevant information in mind

Because of this connection, working memory difficulties are often discussed alongside broader executive functioning challenges.

Related resource: Executive Dysfunction Explained.

Working Memory and Neurodiversity

Working memory differences are commonly discussed within neurodiversity.

ADHD

Many individuals with ADHD report challenges related to working memory, attention regulation and task management.

Autism

Some autistic individuals may experience working memory differences, particularly when managing complex information or navigating unfamiliar situations.

AuDHD

People with both ADHD and autistic traits may experience unique combinations of strengths and challenges affecting memory, planning and information processing.

Every individual’s experience is different, which is why understanding your personal cognitive profile can be valuable.

Real-World Example: Priya

Priya starts making a cup of tea while mentally planning several other activities.

Halfway through, she becomes distracted and moves on to another task.

Several minutes later she discovers the kettle has boiled but she never completed making the drink.

Experiences like this can occur when working memory becomes overloaded by competing demands.

How Working Memory Can Affect Daily Life

At Work

• Forgotten action points
• Difficulty following meetings
• Challenges managing multiple projects
• Increased reliance on notes

At Home

• Forgotten shopping items
• Misplaced belongings
• Difficulty remembering appointments
• Incomplete household tasks

In Education

• Difficulty following lessons
• Challenges taking notes
• Problems remembering instructions
• Increased cognitive fatigue

Strategies That May Help

Many people find it helpful to:

• Write information down immediately
• Use digital reminders and calendars
• Break tasks into smaller steps
• Reduce distractions where possible
• Repeat important information aloud
• Create routines for common activities

These strategies do not change working memory itself but may reduce the impact of difficulties on everyday life.

Why Understanding Working Memory Matters

Working memory difficulties are often misunderstood.

People may describe themselves as forgetful, careless or disorganised when the reality is more complex.

Understanding working memory can help explain patterns that have previously seemed confusing.

Rather than asking:

Why do I keep forgetting things?

It becomes possible to ask:

What systems and strategies help me hold information more effectively?

This shift from self-criticism to self-understanding can be an important step in building confidence and developing practical solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is working memory?

Working memory is the ability to temporarily hold and use information while completing a task.

Is working memory the same as intelligence?

No. Working memory and intelligence are separate concepts.

Can adults experience working memory difficulties?

Yes. Working memory challenges can affect people of all ages.

Is working memory linked to ADHD?

Working memory difficulties are commonly reported by people with ADHD, although experiences vary significantly between individuals.

Related Resources

• Executive Dysfunction Explained
• Task Initiation Difficulties Explained
• What Is Time Blindness?
• Why Cognitive Profiling?
• Signs You May Be Neurodivergent
• What Are Traits, Sub-Traits and Cognitive Spectrums?

External Links

ADHD-UK

MIND

Explore Your Cognitive Profile

Working memory is one of many cognitive traits that influence daily life. Understanding how attention, executive functioning, memory and motivation interact can provide valuable insight into how your brain works.

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