# Assessing and Improving the Durability of Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Veterans (AID-CCT)

> **NIH VA IK2** · VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · 2024 · —

## Abstract

Cognitive decline is a common consequence of aging and neuropsychiatric conditions that can lead to dementia
and impairment in everyday functional activities, which may in turn prompt institutional placement and loss of
independence. Veterans are at increased risk of cognitive decline, and the VA is now providing health care to
surging numbers of older Veterans who report significant cognitive complaints, difficulties with everyday
functioning, and concerns about impending dementia. Treatments to reverse or reduce the consequences of
decline are urgently needed. Our study team has previously developed and validated protocols for
Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) interventions that train cognitive strategies and habits relevant to
attention, learning/memory, and executive functioning to improve everyday functioning in the real world. Despite
clear, immediate, CCT-based gains in cognitive and everyday functioning in Veterans with multiple causes of
cognitive impairment, questions remain about the long-term durability of CCT. Additionally, while systematic
reviews and meta-analyses indicate that booster intervention sessions can help maintain treatment gains, these
have not yet been developed for CCT.
The proposed CDA provides a golden opportunity to evaluate both the long-term durability of CCT and to develop
and pilot test the effects of booster treatment. Specific aims are 1) to evaluate the durability of CCT at 24 months
in the areas of cognitive performance, performance-based functional capacity, subjective functioning, and quality
of life, 2) to develop a series of CCT booster intervention modules focused on aspects of cognition and everyday
function, and 3) to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the CCT booster intervention to establish
feasibility and acceptability. We will recruit Veterans aged 55 or older who previously participated in a VA Merit
study of CCT for older Veterans with Mild Cognitive Impairment [CSRD: I01CX001592; PI: Twamley].
The candidate, Dr. Jacqueline Maye, is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
Her long-term career goal is to be an independent, VA-funded investigator focused on improving cognitive health
and function for older Veterans. Training objectives center on cognitive rehabilitation concepts and research
practices, RCTs for older Veterans with cognitive impairments, advanced longitudinal techniques, and
professional development. The proposed study complements these goals, with a mentorship team that includes
experts in aging, cognitive rehabilitation, intervention and RCT design, and advanced statistical methodology.
Project findings will be critical to the candidate’s mission to advance cognitive rehabilitation science and deliver
long-term, sustained benefits to Veterans through CCT. Results will inform post-CDA research goals to
implement boosters widely with future CCT participants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10831840
- **Project number:** 5IK2RX003821-02
- **Recipient organization:** VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jacqueline E Maye
- **Activity code:** IK2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10831840

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10831840, Assessing and Improving the Durability of Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Veterans (AID-CCT) (5IK2RX003821-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10831840. Licensed CC0.

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