Using online therapy to help older ICU survivors with depression and cognitive decline

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-10999495

This study is looking at whether online therapy can help older adults who have been in intensive care feel better mentally and improve their thinking skills, especially focusing on those from different backgrounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10999495 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among older adults who have survived critical illness in intensive care units (ICUs). The study aims to include a diverse group of participants, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, to ensure the findings are applicable to a broad population. By focusing on the relationship between depression and cognitive decline, the research seeks to provide a scalable intervention that can be easily accessed by patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CBT intervention or standard care, allowing researchers to rigorously assess the impact of the therapy on cognitive outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, aged 21 and above, who have recently survived a critical illness and are experiencing symptoms of depression and cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are not ICU survivors or those without symptoms of depression or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and cognitive function in older ICU survivors, potentially reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on CBT for depression, this specific approach targeting cognitive decline in ICU survivors is novel and has not been extensively tested.

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.