A program to help older adults with memory issues and pain manage their emotions and improve well-being

PATH-Pain: A Primary Care-Based Psychosocial Intervention To Improve Cognitive and Depression Outcomes in Older Adults with MCI and Early Stage AD

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10899706

This study is testing a new program called Problem Adaptation Therapy for Pain (PATH-Pain) to help older adults with mild cognitive issues or early Alzheimer's who are also dealing with chronic pain and depression, by teaching them ways to manage stress and enjoy life more.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899706 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new psychosocial intervention called Problem Adaptation Therapy for Pain (PATH-Pain) aimed at older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) along with chronic pain and depression. The program focuses on reducing stress and improving emotional regulation through techniques such as problem-solving and behavioral activation. Participants will receive support to manage negative emotions related to pain and enhance their engagement in enjoyable activities, ultimately aiming to improve their cognitive and functional outcomes. The intervention is designed to be easily administered in primary care settings, making it accessible for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease who also experience chronic pain and depression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease, or those without chronic pain and depression, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the emotional and cognitive well-being of older adults suffering from MCI or early-stage AD, chronic pain, and depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in psychosocial interventions for similar patient populations, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.