Latest research findings from VA’s Million Veteran Program

There are many links between brain health, physical health and mental health, meaning that brain health can have a big impact on a person's quality of life. Research shows that you can positively affect your brain health by getting quality sleep, regularly engaging in physical activity, and maintaining your personal relationships and social network.

Some things outside of your control, such as conditions like Alzheimer's disease or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), will also affect overall brain health.

VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national research program examining how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health and wellness in Veterans. Researchers using MVP data are studying these factors and more to determine the best ways to improve the future of brain health care for all.

Brain health findings from MVP

Our brains are complex. So are the lifestyle factors and conditions that affect brain health. Some of the latest brain health research findings using MVP data include:

• PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and APOE gene variants are linked with increased risk for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia.
• A link between type 2 diabetes and dementia in non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black populations.
• TBI treatment may benefit some Veterans even if they do not have a formal diagnosis.
• Veterans with a history of TBI have significantly higher rates of experiencing other medical issues, particularly mental health and neurological conditions.
• Changes in brain structure and function may lead to or affect anxiety.

If you have concerns about any of these conditions, schedule an appointment with a health care provider.

Join MVP to support health care research

Brain health is just one of the many research areas that are supported by information from MVP. More than 1,000,000 Veterans have joined the program, allowing researchers to study dozens of mental and physical health conditions affecting Veterans, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Osteoarthritis
• Tinnitus
• Mental health, including PTSD and depression
• Suicide risk
• And more

Each Veteran who joins MVP puts us one step closer to transforming personalized health care for all Veterans and, ultimately, all Americans. You can learn more about or join MVP today. You can also call 866-441-6075 to make an appointment at a participating VA facility. You don't need to receive your care at VA to participate.

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