Cognitive rehab and exposure therapy for hoarding in older adults
Official title: Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure Therapy for Geriatric Hoarding
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11304475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A therapy program helps older adults with hoarding disorder reduce clutter and distress using cognitive training and exposure techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $608,432 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH127056-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11304475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 and older with clinically significant hoarding symptoms who can participate in a structured therapy program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hoarding disorder or those unable to participate in a structured therapy program may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on older adults with hoarding disorder who struggle to discard possessions and manage clutter. It combines cognitive rehabilitation to improve executive functions with exposure-based therapy to reduce avoidance and distress around discarding items. The approach uses structured sessions to help participants practice decision making, goal setting, and gradual exposure to discarding items in a safe, therapeutic setting. The goal is to improve daily functioning, reduce clutter, and enhance quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults manage hoarding symptoms, reclaim living space, and reduce associated distress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows promise for cognitive and exposure-based treatments in hoarding, but results vary and further testing is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayers, Catherine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ayers, Catherine
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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.