Biomarker-informed Cognitive Training to Help Veterans with Serious Mental Illness
Official title: Enhancing Rehabilitation for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness via Biomarker-Informed Cognitive Training
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11262848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A therapy program using targeted cognitive training (TCT) guided by brain biomarkers aims to help Veterans with serious mental illness improve thinking, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2025 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX005058-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with serious mental illness receiving care in VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers who are eligible for Targeted Cognitive Training.
✕Less likely to help
Veterans with SMI who do not respond to cognitive training or have contraindications to the protocol may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a 30-hour Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT) program for Veterans with serious mental illness receiving care at VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centers. It looks at whether measurable EEG biomarkers at treatment start can predict which Veterans will benefit after about three months. The study focuses on real-world use in PRRCs, examining improvements in clinical symptoms, cognition, and everyday functioning. If successful, the approach could personalize cognitive remediation for Veterans with bipolar disorder and other brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lead to better cognition and everyday functioning for Veterans with serious mental illness.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies show feasibility and tolerability; this project seeks to confirm effectiveness in a Veteran, real-world setting.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Light, Gregory a — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Light, Gregory a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.