Memory Skills Classes to Address Cognitive Concerns in Older Veterans With a History of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Classes adapting existing clinical and educational tools offered veterans with a history of PTSD an opportunity to enhance memory skills and self-management.
Dr. Trittschuh is a psychologist and Dr. Thielke is a physician at the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center for the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington.
Author disclosures The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
Disclaimer The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. Government, or any of its agencies.
Future Directions
The cohort of Vietnam-era veterans likely will manifest more geriatric mental health issues over time, and the number of veterans with a history of PTSD and memory concerns will increase. There ismounting evidence that PTSD alone can be associated with cognitive difficulties across the lifespan, and aspects of aging can both exacerbate and highlight these changes.9-12 In addition, there is roughly a doubled dementia risk in older veterans with chronic PTSD.13 A variety of clinical interventions will be needed to address these issues. For those who have cognitive concerns, teaching older veterans self-management skills while also monitoring their cognition and keeping them engaged in proactive health care are worthy endeavors. The authors hope that by making the program and materials broadly available, more veterans can address their cognitive concerns in a productive, engaging manner. To learn more about the project or to receive class materials, please contact the authors (emily.trittschuh@va.gov).
