Using online therapy to help older ICU survivors with depression and cognitive decline
Official title: ADEPT-ICU: Attenuating Depression with Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Survivors
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10999495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $795,205 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084754-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999495 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not ICU survivors or those without symptoms of depression or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khan, Babar a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Khan, Babar a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
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Internet CBT to reduce depression and memory decline after an ICU stay
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.
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Implementing SDOH screening and referrals in the NICU to support fragile newborns
A NICU-based program to screen newborns and families for social needs and connect them to services that can improve health and development.
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.