Internet CBT to reduce depression and memory decline after an ICU stay

ADEPT-ICU: Attenuating Depression with Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Survivors

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11166462

This project offers online cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce depression and slow thinking and memory problems in older adults who survived an intensive care unit stay.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166462 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you are an older adult who survived an ICU stay and notice worsening memory or mood, this trial will randomly assign participants to internet-delivered CBT focused on depression or to usual care. The therapy is delivered online to make it easier to use from home, and the team aims to enroll a diverse group including people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Researchers will track self-reported memory and thinking problems, depressive symptoms, and other health measures over time to see if the online therapy reduces subjective cognitive decline. The study is led by Indiana University and will run for several years to test a scalable approach for older ICU survivors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who survived an ICU admission, have depressive symptoms and report worsening memory or thinking, and can use internet-based therapy.

Not a fit: People without depressive symptoms, those with advanced dementia or severe cognitive impairment, or anyone unable to access or use online therapy tools may not receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce depression and help slow or prevent self-reported memory and thinking decline after critical illness, potentially lowering future dementia risk.

How similar studies have performed: Online CBT has reduced depression in other patient groups, but large randomized trials have not yet tested this approach specifically in older ICU survivors.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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.
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.