PTSD Meds May Increase Dementia Risk?

With all this "awareness" going on, most do not know this part, 

A deeper look at PTSDPost traumatic stress disorder encapsulates multiple symptoms related to a traumatic event. The National Institute of Mental Health noted that PTSD can be both acute and chronic. However, the NIMH noted that individuals must have symptoms including flashbacks of a traumatic event, avoidance and mood changes for up to one month for it to be identified as PTSD. When these symptoms last for a shorter amount of time, it can be acute stress disorder.

but now you do and it may help understand why some folks claim they were "cured." Reminder, if the symptoms after traumatic events do not subside or go away, get professional help as soon as possible AND HEAL.


How PTSD medication can increase the risk of dementia Medication may increase the likelihood of dementia in older patients.
by Interim HealthCare
Published: Monday, May 15, 2017

A new study from the American Geriatrics Society may have identified another risk factor that could increase the likelihood of dementia. Individuals taking medication to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder could increase their risk for dementia later in life.

A closer look at the study
Researchers looked at over 3 million participants aged 56 and older. The study focused on individuals working with veterans. According to NPR, there continues to be a stigma for individuals who have seen combat seeking out treatment for PTSD. However, the stigma of seeking out treatment for PTSD is beginning to dissipate.

The study tracked patients since 2003 over nine years. The results found that individuals taking medication to cope with PTSD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, were more likely to suffer from dementia later in life than individuals who didn't take these medications. While researchers noted the connection between these medications and dementia, they acknowledge that more research is needed to learn about the relationship.
read more here

Veterans Are Homeless in Canada Too

VETS Canada puts boots on the ground to help homeless veterans
Calgary Herald
Alanna Smith
Published on: May 14, 2017

Shortly after the brief interaction, Lowther and his wife began VETS Canada in 2010, on a mission to raise awareness and end homelessness for veterans. In 2014, they were awarded a contract by Veterans Affairs to be an approved service provider for veteran outreach.

A sharp contrast between military service and civilian life is leaving some veterans vulnerable to homelessness.

That’s why the Calgary division of VETS Canada is offering ground support during the second-annual Coast to Coast Tour of Duty, in which volunteers walk the streets in 17 Canadian cities to locate and aid homeless and at-risk veterans.

“I think they just want to feel like part of our society and feel proud about what they have accomplished in the forces. That’s what it’s all about, making sure they are taken care of and that they know we appreciate everything they’ve done, not just once a year on Nov. 11, but all year round,” said Steve Gilliss, lead of Calgary’s VETS Canada chapter.

When a volunteer locates a veteran who has accepted help, they are immediately moved off the street to a motel or hotel. Then they are given a needs assessment, which identifies when they served and what social programs they might be entitled to, including benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada.

The veterans are also connected to health care, mental health representatives and addictions support, if needed. Volunteers also offer support in finding employment and housing options.
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Devoted Husband-Homeless Veteran Needs Place to Stay in Colorado

Homeless veteran looks for way to live near wife’s nursing home
BY TRIBUNE MEDIA WIRE
MAY 13, 2017

After 34 years of marriage and facing tremendous adversity, Steve Morrow's devotion doesn’t stop.

MORRISON, Colo. -- A recently homeless man wants nothing more than to be near his beloved wife who is living in a nursing home in Morrison, Colorado.

After losing his job and becoming homeless, Steve Morrow’s future is uncertain. After 34 years of marriage, the love between Morrow and his wife is as strong as ever.

“I love you so much,” Morrow told his wife Janet outside the nursing home Thursday afternoon.

"I love you so much, too,” Janet Morrow replied.

The proof of Steve Morrow's love can be found in a handwritten note left at the post office. In it, Morrow asks for a place to park his van near the nursing home.

“So that I can see my wife every day,” Morrow wrote.

Morrow, a 64-year-old Air Force veteran, worked for decades at a Denver-area box manufacturing plant until 18 months ago.

“They called everyone into the break room and said this is it, we’re closing the doors,” Morrow said.

A month earlier, Janet Morrow, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was forced into a nursing home.
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Deployment didn't stop Air Force Sergeant from College Graduation

Air Force sergeant graduates college via Skype
WGRZ News
Jeff Preval
May 14, 2017

"First, I would like to thank President Conway-Turner, as well as, the faculty and staff of Buffalo State," Winters said. "I would also like to thank my family, as well as my wonderful fiancee Kathleen Peterson and her family who is attending the ceremony here today, tomorrow we'll begin a new challenge taking on the world head on."

BUFFALO, NY - Some very special accommodations were made Saturday morning so a Buff State senior, who is abroad serving in the military, could graduate on time.

U.S. Air Force Sergeant Adam Winters, who's from Rochester, was deployed to Southwest Asia three months ago, as he began his final semester at Buff State. Winters is an aerial port specialist, loading cargo and passengers onto military aircraft. The deployment meant Winters would have to take online courses abroad, so he could graduate on time.
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Soldier's Memorial Honors Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam Veterans Honored With Soldier’s Cross 
WNEP News 
BY ALLEN VICKERS 
MAY 13, 2017 

NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP -- A fallen soldier's cross was unveiled at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Memorial just outside Schuylkill Haven.

Even with rain falling, people made their way out to honor those who lost their lives in Vietnam.

“People leave and make the commitment. They are writing a blank check and when you join the service, you are writing a blank check. You go away from your family and fight for what you think is right so we can live the way we want to live in the United States,” said veteran Bill Higgins, Vietnam War Post 29. 

The memorial, which sits next to the First United Church of Christ, was dedicated 20 years ago. Now, bronze boots, a weapon, and a helmet sit on a pedestal.

“It’s an honor to be here. These guys deserve the credit they didn't get when they came home. That's why we are here honoring our veterans,” said Kenneth Albitz of Schuylkill Haven. read more here