Research

A VA researcher in Little Rock aims to delay Alzheimer’s through a form of brain stimulation. The target population is those with mild cognitive impairment who display the psychological trait of apathy, shown to be a key risk factor for progression to full-blown dementia.

VA researchers have published long-term follow-up results from a major clinical trial involving Veterans with diabetes. Patients who had received intensive therapy to lower blood sugar levels saw no significant drop in heart attacks or strokes over the long term.

This VA study found that TBI with and without loss of consciousness are both associated with a heightened risk of developing dementia.

Scientists at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and Tulane University have announced a breakthrough in research that could lead to safer treatment of pain with less risk for addiction and overdose compared to currently available opioid medications.

In lab studies, VA researchers have developed a potential method to deliver arthritis medication directly to painful joints without risking side effects in the rest of the body.

VA clinical research studies abide by five overarching principles focused on protecting the safety and welfare of the Veterans who participate.

A physician-investigator at the Washington DC VAMC is a member of the African American Cardiovascular Pharmacogenomics Consortium, created in 2016 to advance precision prescribing—based on patients’ genes—of cardiovascular drugs for African Americans.

A recent study with a small sample of Veterans trying to recover from mental health issues found that video games can help in overcoming such problems as PTSD and substance abuse disorders.

South Texas VA’s senior prosthetist, Gordon Bosker presented 3-D printing technologies as part of South Texas’ Research Week celebration.

A VA San Diego study confirmed the value of prolonged exposure therapy for Veterans coping with both PTSD and alcohol problems. Some experts have worried exposure therapy could worsen drinking in this population.

Boston area Veterans learn the benefits of gardening through the Veterans Greenhouse and Gardens Program, which incorporates gardening into their treatment.

VA researchers delved into the different living situations available to homeless Veterans through the HUD-VASH voucher program. VA Research Currents talked with investigator Dr. Ann Elizabeth Montgomery about what her team learned.