Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Adults With PTSD

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve psychotherapy for older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially Veterans, who often experience memory problems that reduce the benefit of treatments like cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Since memory deficits can affect how well patients learn and remember therapy content, this study tests adding a Memory Support intervention to CPT. The goal is to develop new approaches that help improve functioning for people with PTSD by enhancing how they learn therapy skills. The study compares standard CPT with a modified version that includes intentional strategies to boost memory and learning of therapy content. The study will be done in phases: first, modifying the CPT manual with expert and Veteran feedback; next, refining the treatment through a small case series; and finally, conducting a small randomized trial with 20 older Veterans to assess feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects. The Memory Support techniques aim to help patients better encode and retrieve therapy skills. Participants will receive therapy over 12 to 16 weeks while researchers assess symptoms using the PTSD Checklist-5. The study will monitor how well participants engage, complete treatment, and respond to therapy. This trial focuses on older Veterans with PTSD and memory challenges, tracking their progress and outcomes to inform future larger studies. The total participation time aligns with the treatment duration and includes symptom and functional outcome assessments.

Enhancing Memory in CPT for PTSD