Technology-assisted therapy for anxiety in people with cognitive impairment

Technology Assisted and Remotely Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Anxiety in People Living With Cognitive Impairment: Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The University of Queensland · NCT05528302

This study is testing a new online therapy program for people with cognitive impairment to see if it helps reduce their anxiety.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Queensland Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Brisbane, Queensland and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05528302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a remotely-delivered, technology-assisted psychotherapy program designed for individuals with cognitive impairment who are experiencing anxiety. It aims to test the efficacy of a modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) package, known as Tech-CBT, which integrates telehealth methods to enhance treatment delivery. The study will also assess the cost-effectiveness, usability, and acceptability of this intervention, along with a process evaluation to inform its implementation in community settings and memory clinics. The ultimate goal is to create a strategic roadmap for improving anxiety treatment in health services.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who are experiencing anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia, those unable to communicate, or individuals with major depression as the primary complaint may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide an effective treatment option for anxiety in individuals with cognitive impairment, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology-assisted therapies for mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persons aged 18 years or over
* Persons with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia of any aetiology based on a previous diagnosis by a clinician or scoring above threshold (≤32; MCI ≤32 and dementia ≤27) for cognitive impairment in the Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Impairment (TICS-M).
* Screening positive for anxiety (scoring ≥9 on Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, GAI), and/or subjective complaints of anxiety and/ or clinician diagnosis of a current anxiety disorder and screening positive for anxiety using the Rating Anxiety in Dementia scale (scoring ≥11 on RAID)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Persons with severe dementia
* Persons unable to communicate or complete questionnaires
* Persons who have a current risk of suicide within the last month as determined by the study clinical expert team.
* Persons with major depression as the primary complaint without reported symptoms of anxiety
* Persons with comorbid psychiatric conditions

Where this trial is running

Brisbane, Queensland and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DementiaCognitive ImpairmentAnxietyCognitive Behavioural TherapyTechnologyTelehealthRandomized Control Trial
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.