Hampton Roads has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. This includes Vietnam Veterans 50 years after the war ended. They are now older and carry the scars of that war.

For instance, traumatic brain injury as a young service member increases the risks of Parkinson’s disease and dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease in later life. Agent Orange exposure is correlated with increased risks for these disorders as well as various cancers. Major trauma may increase overall biological aging. And sudden stressors such as the death of a spouse can trigger latent PTSD.

The Veterans Health Administration — including Virginia’s three Veterans Affairs medical centers — is a national leader for integrated behavioral/physical health care, telehealth, prosthetic development, substance abus

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