Brain training after hospital delirium shows promise for older adults

NCT ID NCT04740567

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether early cognitive training and rehabilitation can improve long-term thinking skills in older adults (65+) who experienced delirium during a hospital stay. 283 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cognitive training program or usual care. The training included daily exercises during hospitalization and weekly sessions for 12 weeks after discharge, focusing on memory, attention, and problem-solving. The main goal was to see if this approach improved global cognition four months later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cognitive training and rehabilitation (behavioral intervention)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help older adults recover their thinking skills after a hospital stay with delirium.

What could go wrong

This is a single completed study with 283 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the benefits might be small or not last long.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction delirium dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Tennessee Valley Healthcare System - Nashville Veteran Affairs Hospital

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37027, United States

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37027, United States