Resources for Veterans
Nearly half a million American veterans have Alzheimer’s — and as the population ages, that number is expected to grow. Veterans may be uniquely exposed to certain risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a higher risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's. We have compiled a list of resources that can provide information and assistance to both those diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or are caring for someone who has.
National Resources
- Alzheimer's Association: Veterans and Dementia https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/veterans-dementia
- VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
- Veterans Benefits Administration Home (va.gov)
- VA Geriatrics and Extended Care
- VA Caregiver Support Program
- The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits
- How To Apply For VA Health Care
- Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (va.gov)
- Accredited Representatives Home (va.gov)
- Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) where Veterans and their families can schedule an appointment with a VA Claims Representative, at any VA Regional Office: https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/
- 1-800-MyVA411: The national, toll-free number that serves as a front door to all of VA and can address individual PACT questions
Local Resources (Virginia, Maryland, DC area)
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
- Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs https://veterans.maryland.gov/
- Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (DC) https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/mova
- Fairfax County Veterans Services https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/military-veterans
- Loudoun County Veterans Services https://www.loudoun.gov/3555/Veterans-Services-Program
Caregiver Support Programs
The VA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers clinical, educational, and holistic services to individuals who care for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. CSP supports anyone who provides care services to a Veteran, whether it is medicine management, grocery shopping, helping a Veteran get dressed, or full-time personal care services. Anyone who provides care to a Veteran enrolled in VA health care can participate in CSP.
CSP is a national program comprised of two subprograms: Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Every VA facility has a local team, where caregivers can access a variety of national resources while receiving tailored support from their local CSP Teams. The fact sheets below can help you learn more about these programs.
Social Media Resources
- Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Facebook
- Veterans Benefits (@vabenefits) Instagram
- http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits
- PACT Act Expansion (youtube.com)
- https://www.youtube.com/user/vavetbenefits\
These lists are accurate as of June 2024.
Blog
"I like that IMCC focuses on dementia-related problems and provides a focal point for families to network and socially interact in coping with dementia. It provides a community that helps us in our struggle."
