PTSD & Dementia: A Sacramento Veteran’s Story Urges Early Treatment
On Veterans Day, a vital and sobering reminder emerged: veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face nearly double the risk of developing dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. A Sacramento family is courageously sharing their journey, hoping to highlight how early intervention for PTSD could significantly alter this devastating trajectory.
The Double Burden: PTSD and Dementia Link
The connection between PTSD and an increased risk of dementia is a critical concern for military veterans. Research from the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that those who have experienced PTSD are almost twice as likely to develop some form of dementia, underscoring the long-term neurological impact of psychological trauma.
Doug Mitten’s Story: A Sacramento Family’s Plea
Sacramento resident Deborah Franklin serves as the full-time caregiver for her husband of 38 years, Doug Mitten, a Vietnam War veteran. Doug is now in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis he received in 2020 after exhibiting signs of cognitive decline as early as 2017. Franklin expresses profound sadness over the loss of companionship and wishes they had understood the full implications of Doug’s untreated PTSD sooner.
Doug, who enlisted to be a chaplain’s assistant, was instead trained as a sniper and involved in Army intelligence during the Vietnam War. These assignments were deeply counter to his beliefs, leading to severe, undiagnosed PTSD. For decades, he buried these feelings, unwilling to seek help, a common experience for many Vietnam veterans who returned home to a hostile reception and lacked support for their invisible wounds.
A History of Delayed Recognition
PTSD was not officially recognized as a mental health condition until 1980, five years after the Vietnam War concluded. This delay meant countless veterans like Doug Mitten suffered without a framework for understanding or treating their trauma. It took Doug 40 years and extensive counseling to finally confront his PTSD, beginning around 2010.
The Power of Early Intervention
Franklin firmly believes that earlier treatment for Doug’s PTSD, though not a complete preventative, would have significantly reduced his dementia risk. “The one thing you know about Alzheimer’s dementia is today, it’s probably the best day. From now on, it’s just going to get worse,” she states, emphasizing the urgency of early action for both PTSD and cognitive decline.
Doug eventually found healing through the Vietnam Veterans of America organization, even chairing its PTSD committee, and through open conversations with fellow veterans. This late engagement profoundly improved their lives, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of community and professional support.
Here’s a look at the potential impact of PTSD treatment timing:
| Intervention Stage | Potential Impact on Dementia Risk |
|---|---|
| Early PTSD Treatment | Can significantly help reduce associated dementia risk. |
| Delayed PTSD Treatment | Risk factors for dementia are higher and more difficult to mitigate later. |
Resources for Sacramento Veterans and Caregivers
The Franklin-Mitten family credits several organizations with providing crucial support. For Sacramento-area veterans and their families navigating similar challenges, valuable resources include:
- The Alzheimer’s Association, which offers information and support specifically for veterans and their caregivers.
- The Vietnam Veterans of America organization, a vital community for veterans seeking peer support and advocacy.
- Local Veterans Affairs (VA) departments for comprehensive healthcare and support services.
- The Alzheimer’s Aid Society and the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, providing local assistance and guidance for caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the link between PTSD and dementia?
Veterans with PTSD have nearly double the risk of developing some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, compared to those without PTSD. - Why is early PTSD treatment important for veterans?
Early treatment for PTSD can help mitigate the long-term effects of trauma, potentially reducing the risk of developing dementia later in life, as advocated by families like the Franklins. - When was PTSD officially recognized as a condition?
PTSD was officially recognized as a mental health condition in 1980, several years after the end of the Vietnam War. - Where can Sacramento families find support for veterans with PTSD and dementia?
Resources include the Alzheimer’s Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, local VA departments, the Alzheimer’s Aid Society, and the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center.
The enduring love and advocacy of caregivers like Deborah Franklin serve as a beacon, reminding us that while dementia may pose a challenging battle, the war for compassion, understanding, and timely support can still be won through dedicated community efforts.
Veteran PTSD doubles dementia risk early treatment key
