Brain boosters: Evaluating a pilot program for memory complaints in veterans.

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a pilot program designed to address subjective memory complaints among Veterans. The program, Brain Boosters, consisted of 10 once-weekly group sessions, during which psychoeducation and cognitive enhancement strategies were used to target memory concerns and related processes, specifically attentional difficulties. Given that memory complaints often are associated with psychiatric comorbidities, sessions also incorporated strategies for reducing symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress, and insomnia. Controlling for age, we examined pre- to posttreatment change in symptom ratings for 96 Veterans (aged 22 to 87 years) who participated in the Brain Boosters program. The effect of Brain Boosters on memory complaints interacted with age: younger (but not older) Veterans reported reductions in memory impairment from pre- to posttreatment. Additionally, irrespective of age, from pre- to posttreatment Veterans reported fewer attentional difficulties and fewer depression symptoms. Ratings of posttraumatic stress and insomnia symptoms did not change, although insomnia was negatively associated with age. Linear regression controlling for age revealed that reductions in attention problems predicted reductions in perceived memory impairment. Findings from this exploratory, uncontrolled pilot study suggest that a psychoeducational cognitive enhancement group is feasible to conduct in a heterogeneous Veteran population, and may be associated with improvements in perceived memory functioning for younger Veterans, and in attention and depression symptoms for Veterans across age groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Feasibility test of preference-based insomnia treatment for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

PURPOSE: The study determined the feasibility of implementing a brief, preference-based non-medication insomnia treatment for Iraq/Afghanistan war Veterans who experienced blast and/or other injuries resulting in an altered level of consciousness. METHODS: The study used a one-group pre-post design with a 3-month follow-up assessment. Forty-one veterans (two females, mean age 30.32 ± 7.73 years) with a mean insomnia duration of 3.90 years (± 2.03) received treatment that included one in-person and three telephone sessions of behavioral intervention and incorporated electronic delivery components. Feasibility indicators and preliminary treatment effectiveness were assessed. FINDINGS: Results indicate the preference-based treatment was acceptable to veterans and feasible to implement. Treatment components delivered in-person were used more than electronic methods. Insomnia decreased from moderate severity to the sub-threshold range. Pre- to post-treatment effect sizes were large for most sleep outcomes. Sleep improvement maintained at the 3-month follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION: Further testing of a brief insomnia treatment model is needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Successful insomnia treatment has the potential to maximize rehabilitation outcomes in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veterans and may provide a non-stigmatizing entry to mental health services.