Working memory plays a crucial role in many cognitive processes, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Its limited capacity becomes especially evident in neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as with ageing, prompting researchers over the past fifty years to explore ways to enhance it. Initial pharmacological approaches examined the effects of specific agents on working memory in animals and later in humans. In parallel, psychologists developed behavioural training programs, which are particularly effective for individuals with cognitive impairments. Advances in neuroscience and neuroimaging have deepened our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying working memory, leading to the development of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. In recent years, modern technologies such as virtual reality and gamified cognitive training have also been introduced. However, most existing approaches remain grounded in discipline-specific frameworks, with limited integration across scientific fields. This highlights a gap in methodological and conceptual coherence, and points to the need for more holistic solutions. This article aims to identify these gaps by analysing the historical development of methods to enhance working memory and highlighting the potential of first-person research and interdisciplinary approaches such as neurofeedback. It contributes to a better understanding of how more comprehensive strategies could address the diverse needs of users more effectively.
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