NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving social skills and cognitive function in older adults with schizophrenia

Official title: Optimizing Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training with Executive Function Training for Older Adults with Schizophrenia

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11000836 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to help older adults with schizophrenia improve their social skills and thinking abilities through special training, so they can stay independent and enjoy life more, and it will see how well this training works compared to regular care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startDecember 15, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$629,774
NIH project number5R61MH132859-02
Project IDNIH-11000836 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the social skills and cognitive abilities of older adults suffering from schizophrenia through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) and Executive Function Training. The approach aims to prevent cognitive and functional decline, which can lead to premature institutionalization. Participants will engage in structured training sessions designed to improve their social competence and overall functioning. The study will compare the effectiveness of this combined training against standard care practices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved social functioning and quality of life for older adults with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that CBSST can effectively prevent functional decline in older adults with schizophrenia, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Granholm, Eric L — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Granholm, Eric L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.