Recruiting

Online therapy to ease depression and protect memory in ICU survivors

Plain-English translation of NCT06627894 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether an online therapy program called Good Days Ahead can help reduce depression and protect memory and thinking skills in older adults who survived a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). About half of ICU survivors notice changes in their memory or thinking after leaving the hospital, and around one-third experience depression. The therapy teaches practical skills to manage depression and may help slow cognitive decline.

After a serious illness requiring ICU care, many older adults develop depression and notice problems with memory and thinking—and these problems can lead to dementia later on. Right now, there are no proven ways to treat depression in ICU survivors in a way that also protects thinking skills. This trial exists to test whether this accessible, online treatment could help prevent or delay these serious problems.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 50 years of age or older
you spent more than 48 hours in an intensive care unit
you are experiencing symptoms of depression (sadness, loss of interest in activities, or both)
you have noticed a change in your memory or thinking in the past 1 to 3 years
you are living at home or in an assisted living facility after your ICU stay
you have a telephone and can access the internet

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with dementia or a disease that affects the brain (like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease) before your ICU stay
you have been diagnosed with severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
you have had a recent stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain surgery
you have a serious vision or hearing problem that has not been corrected
you have a life expectancy of less than one year due to a terminal illness

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will complete nine 45-minute online therapy sessions focused on depression management over 6 months, with 20 minutes of phone support from a therapist during each session. The other group will review nine 45-minute educational sessions about depression with 20 minutes of phone support, plus access to regular depression care. Throughout the trial, you will also complete memory and thinking tests to measure any changes.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Online therapy to ease depression and protect memory in ICU survivors

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)