Assessing and Improving the Durability of Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Veterans

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Mar 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a small, early-stage randomized study (a pilot) to see if adding 3–4 booster sessions of Motivationally-Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training (ME-CCT) helps older Veterans who already completed CCT keep cognitive and everyday functioning gains. Veterans will be assigned to either the ME-CCT booster sessions or Treatment as Usual, and researchers will check, after about four weeks, how acceptable, appropriate, and feasible the booster is, using short questions. They will also look for early signs of any changes in thinking skills and everyday functioning, but the study is mainly about whether this booster approach is doable and liked by participants, not about proving a strong treatment effect.

Eligible participants are Veterans aged 55 and older who previously completed the ME-CCT program and live independently, speak English, and can consent. Key exclusions include current substance use disorder, certain psychotic disorders, significant brain injury, or sensory problems that would make booster sessions difficult. If you qualify, you’ll complete baseline tests, be randomized to the booster or usual care, attend the booster sessions (3–4 sessions) or continue with usual care, and then repeat the same tests and questionnaires after about four weeks. The study is at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, is currently enrolling by invitation, and is coordinated by the VA Office of Research and Development; results are not yet available.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Veterans aged 55 and older who are able to provide informed consent
• • Previous completion of the "Cognitive Rehabilitation for Older Veterans with Mild Cognitive Impairment" \[PI: Twamley, VA CSRD: I01CX001592\] study and received the ME-CCT intervention
• • Independently living
• • English-speaking: this is necessary to complete cognitive and functional testing and participate in booster development and other study procedures
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participation in sub-study 2 of this CDA, in which study participants assist with the design of booster intervention modules
• • DSM-5 criteria for current substance use disorder and has been substance abstinent for less than 30 days
• • History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other primary psychotic disorder
• • History of significant brain injury with loss of consciousness \>30 minutes
• • Auditory or visual impairments that would prevent ability to participate in booster sessions or ability to benefit from compensatory strategies