Improving memory in therapy for older adults with PTSD
Official title: Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Adults with PTSD
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-11003329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make cognitive processing therapy better for older adults with PTSD by adding some memory support techniques to help them remember what they learn in therapy, so they can feel better and cope with their experiences more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004627-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with PTSD, particularly veterans who may struggle with cognitive challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those without a PTSD diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for older adults suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It aims to address the challenges these individuals face in learning and retaining therapeutic skills due to cognitive decline associated with aging. By integrating a Memory Support intervention, the study will explore strategies to improve memory encoding and retrieval of therapy content, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. The research will assess how well these strategies are accepted and their feasibility in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for older adults with PTSD by enhancing their ability to learn and apply therapeutic skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing therapy outcomes through memory support interventions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, James Cobb — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Scott, James Cobb
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.