Improving memory to help cognitive processing therapy work better for PTSD
Official title: Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Adults With PTSD
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06000475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try adding memory-support techniques to cognitive processing therapy to see if older Veterans with PTSD learn and retain therapy skills better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06000475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 60 or older with DSM-5 PTSD confirmed by the CAPS-5 who can attend in-person sessions and do not have dementia, severe TBI, uncontrolled substance use, psychotic or bipolar disorders, daily benzodiazepine use, or current high suicide risk.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with dementia-level cognitive impairment, severe traumatic brain injury, active psychosis or bipolar disorder, uncontrolled substance use, daily benzodiazepine use, or imminent suicidal intent are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will integrate a Memory Support intervention—specific strategies to enhance encoding and retrieval of therapy content—into manualized cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and compare it to standard CPT in older Veterans with PTSD. Participants will be Veterans aged over 59 with PTSD confirmed by the CAPS-5 and without dementia-level cognitive impairment, severe traumatic brain injury, active psychosis or bipolar disorder, daily benzodiazepine use, uncontrolled substance use, or imminent suicidal intent. The trial will measure feasibility and acceptability, cognitive measures of learning and memory, therapy adherence, and changes in PTSD symptoms. Treatment sessions will be delivered at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding memory-support strategies could help older Veterans better learn and use therapy skills, leading to improved PTSD symptoms and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows memory performance predicts psychotherapy outcomes and cognitive rehabilitation can improve learning, but few trials have tested an integrated Memory Support intervention within CPT, so this approach is plausible but relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans with DSM-5 diagnoses of PTSD via the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) Exclusion Criteria: * daily benzodiazepine use (due to memory impairing effects) * bipolar or psychotic disorders * current suicidal ideation with plan or intent * current moderate or severe substance use disorder not in remission for \>1 month * severe traumatic brain injury * a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) indicative of dementia * or other disorders that would severely limit study participation
Where it's running
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Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James C. Scott, PhD — Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Study coordinator: James C Scott, PhD
- Email: James.Scott2de50a@va.gov
- Phone: (215) 823-5800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.