New digital platform treats insomnia and anxiety in seniors

Researchers from the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) and partner universities developed eCBT+, a digital cognitive behavioral therapy platform for adults 65 and older. A clinical trial published in the journal Age and Ageing found the program significantly improved sleep efficiency and reduced symptoms of both insomnia and anxiety.

How does the eCBT+ program work?

The eCBT+ program is a seven-week intervention. Participants complete one 30-minute interactive video module each week, according to the research team.

The platform works on computers, tablets, and smartphones. It’s the first program of its kind available in French. To accommodate older users, the developers included adjustable contrast settings and text size, alongside scenarios reflecting everyday senior experiences.

Did You Know? The eCBT+ platform achieved a usability score of nearly 70 per cent among participants, who described the tool as intuitive and user-friendly.

What were the clinical results for seniors?

The research team conducted a randomized controlled trial with 80 adults aged 65 and older who suffered from insomnia. The study compared the eCBT+ group against a waitlist control group to test efficacy and acceptability.

Mathilde Reyt, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at CRIUGM and Concordia University, stated the intervention was highly effective. Participants who finished the program showed significant reductions in anxiety and insomnia symptoms, as well as improved sleep efficiency.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by combining insomnia and anxiety treatments into one digital tool, the researchers are addressing a common comorbidity in older adults that few previous interventions have targeted simultaneously. This approach could lower the barrier to entry for patients who previously found traditional therapy too costly or geographically inaccessible.

Why is digital access necessary for these treatments?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for insomnia, but many seniors cannot access it. Dr. Thien Thanh Dang-Vu, a neurologist and professor at Concordia University, attributes this to the high cost of treatment and a lack of trained professionals.

Dr. Dang-Vu stated that web-based tools provide a clinically relevant way to promote mental health and sleep. He noted the combined digital program is a step toward making these treatments accessible to more people.

What happens next for the research?

The research team intends to expand the sample size of their study. This larger group could help researchers confirm the long-term effects of the eCBT+ program.

Future analysis may focus on how the program affects daytime quality of life. Researchers could also investigate potential benefits for the cognitive function of older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who developed the eCBT+ platform?

The platform was developed by researchers at the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) in collaboration with Concordia University, Université Laval, and the Université de Montréal.

What is the structure of the eCBT+ intervention?

The program consists of a seven-week intervention featuring one 30-minute interactive video module per week.

Which symptoms did the program help reduce?

According to the study results, participants experienced reductions in symptoms of both insomnia and anxiety.

Do you think digital platforms are an effective substitute for in-person therapy for seniors?