Resources for Veterans
Veterans face higher dementia risk from brain injuries and PTSD; learn what the research shows and the VA services available for veterans with dementia and their family caregivers, from home care to the Caregiver Support Line.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Millions of American veterans are now in the age range when dementia becomes more common. Some also carry extra risk from their service, especially head injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The good news is that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of dementia care and caregiver support, and many families don't know they can use it.
Why veterans may face higher risk
Traumatic brain injury (TBI). A 2018 study of more than 350,000 veterans found that those diagnosed with a TBI were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later. Even a mild TBI without loss of consciousness (a concussion where the person wasn't knocked out) was linked to more than double the risk of a dementia diagnosis. Moderate to severe TBI carried the highest risk. See Traumatic Brain Injury and CTE.
PTSD. A 2010 study of more than 180,000 older veterans found that those with PTSD were nearly twice as likely to develop dementia over about seven years as those without PTSD, even after accounting for other health problems. Results were similar when the researchers excluded veterans with head injury, substance abuse or depression.
These studies show links, not certainty. Most veterans with TBI or PTSD will not develop dementia. But they're good reasons to take memory changes seriously, to treat PTSD and depression, and to manage other risk factors like blood pressure, hearing loss and smoking (see Reducing Dementia Risk: The 14 Risk Factors).
VA dementia care
The VA says care for veterans with Alzheimer's or other dementias is provided throughout the full range of VA health care services. Depending on the veteran's needs, services may include:
- Home Based Primary Care: a VA health care team that comes to the home
- Homemaker and Home Health Aide services, to help with bathing, dressing and daily tasks
- Respite care, to give family caregivers a break (see Respite Care)
- Adult Day Health Care
- Outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital care
- Nursing home care (VA Community Living Centers and community nursing homes)
- Palliative care and hospice care (see Hospice and End-of-Life Care)
The VA's dementia pages also offer free handouts and short videos for caregivers on topics like refusal to bathe, agitation, sundowning, repetitive questions and wandering.
Eligibility and costs depend on the veteran's enrollment, service connection and income. To apply for VA health care, visit VA.gov or call 1-877-222-8387.
Support for family caregivers
The VA Caregiver Support Program helps family members caring for veterans. It includes:
- The VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274, for information, emotional support, and connection to local Caregiver Support teams
- The Program of General Caregiver Support Services, open to caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care, with training, coaching, peer support and self-care resources
- The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, which has stricter eligibility tied to serious service-connected conditions and may include a monthly stipend
- Training programs such as REACH VA, a coaching program for caregivers of veterans with dementia and other conditions
Every VA medical center has a Caregiver Support team. Ask the veteran's VA primary care team to connect you.
Benefits that may help pay for care
- VA disability compensation if a condition is service-connected
- VA pension with Aid and Attendance, an added monthly amount for eligible wartime veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities
- Medicare and Medicaid, which many veterans use alongside VA care (see Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care)
Rules are complicated. A Veterans Service Officer from a group like the American Legion, VFW or DAV can help with claims for free. Be wary of anyone who charges to help you apply for VA benefits.
Practical tips for families
- Bring the DD-214 (discharge papers) and VA ID when applying for services.
- Mention military history to any doctor, including head injuries, blast exposure and PTSD.
- Firearms safety: the VA's dementia safety resources include firearm safety. Plan early with the veteran about storing or removing firearms safely (see Home Safety).
- Driving: see Driving and Dementia.
- Plan ahead with legal and financial documents (see Legal Planning).
If you need help now
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255, 24/7
- VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
Veterans served their country. They and their families deserve every bit of support available, so don't hesitate to ask.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Dementia Care (including Alzheimer's Disease)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Caregiver Support Program
- Yaffe K et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among US veterans. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2010
- Barnes DE et al. Association of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury With and Without Loss of Consciousness With Dementia in US Military Veterans. JAMA Neurology, 2018
Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.
Related articles
- Traumatic Brain Injury and CTE
- Helplines and Support Organizations
- Respite Care
- Financial Planning and Paying for Care
- Caregiver Stress and Burnout
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We may answer common questions in future updates (we won't share your name). We can't give personal medical advice; for urgent help call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.