Members Notes

Members Notes:

Smoking & Lung Cancer Screening:

Dave Lawrence, M.D., CAPT, Medical Corp, USN (Ret), who is a chapter member and a director on our board of directors, discussed this topic at the last board meeting. The board was supportive in getting this word out and suggested it be published in the November newsletter. His discussion follows: "Many veterans have smoked and may be at risk for lung cancer. Most lung cancers are identified at an advanced stage with a very poor survival rate. A National Screening Trial of 53,000 patients was performed in an attempt to identify lung cancers at an early stage. Low dose CAT Scan of the chest was performed annually with the results showing a 20% decrease in lung cancer mortality.

The current screening criteria are: No symptoms or signs of lung cancer (you are asymptomatic) 50-80 years of age, (Medicare covers up to 77 years of age) 20 pack year smoking history, Current or previous smoker who has quit in the last 15 years. Consider discussing your smoking history with your Primary Care provider to see if Lung Cancer screening might be appropriate for you. Coverage for the CAT scan will vary depending on your insurance." References are available from Dave upon request.

Increased Risk...

Dementia in military and veteran populations: a review of risk factors—traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, deployment, and sleep - PMC (nih.gov)

"The military population face a unique set of risk factors that may increase the risk of being diagnosed with dementia. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a higher prevalence in this group in comparison to the civilian population..."

Dementia Care (including Alzheimer’s Disease)

see Dementia Care (including Alzheimer’s Disease) - Geriatrics and Extended Care (va.gov)

Care for Veterans with Alzheimer’s or dementia is provided throughout the full range of VA health care services. Depending on the Veteran's needs, services may include 

1. Home Based Primary Care, 
   Homemaker and Home Health Aide, 
   Respite Care, 
   Adult Day Health Care, outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital, 
   Nursing Home, 
   Palliative Care, or Hospice Care. 
   Caregiver Support is also an essential part of these services.

If you’ve been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or are caring for someone who has, become familiar with the types, stages, symptoms, and treatments. This section of the website provides links to handouts and videos for Veterans and caregivers about Alzheimer’s and other dementias:

• General Resources
• Daily Activities/Symptoms
• Changes in Behavior
• Veterans Health Library Resources
  
  see the balance of the article referenced above beginning with "Dementia Care... "