Improving memory to help cognitive processing therapy work better for PTSD
Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Adults With PTSD
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06000475
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06000475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans with DSM-5 diagnoses of PTSD via the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) * Age \>59 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 mo. * severe traumatic brain injury * a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) indicative of dementia * or other disorders that would severely limit study participation
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Psychotherapy, Memory