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PTSD: National Center for PTSD

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PTSD, Cognitive Aging, and Dementia

   

Continuing Education

This section brings together free in-depth Continuing Education resources for the Professional community concerned with trauma.

PTSD, Cognitive Aging, and Dementia

  • Date Created: 06/05/2026
  • Time to Complete: 1 hour
  • Credits: ACCME, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NBCC, Other Orgs.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Course Series: PTSD 101, PTSD Consultation Lecture Series

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Credit

VA Only: Go to TMSright arrow icon

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Go to TRAIN websiteLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site.

Earn CE/CME Credits

See How to Get Credits.

PTSD, Cognitive Aging, and Dementia Author(s):

Jennifer J. Vasterling, PhD

Description

Research findings over the past decade have shown a connection between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and neurocognitive disorders (NCD), including dementia, among older adults and those who experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Early evidence suggests existing assessment measures and evidence-based treatments for PTSD are appropriate for patients with mild NCD, however the impact of moderate to severe NCD on assessment and treatment of PTSD is less clear.

This online course helps providers better understand the co-occurrence between PTSD and dementia by summarizing recent research illustrating biological factors underlying this co-morbidity, describing the prevalence in Veterans, and discussing assessment and treatment guidelines for treating Veterans with PTSD and dementia.

Goals and Objectives

  • Describe the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders in older Veterans diagnosed with PTSD
  • Identify risk factors for accelerated cognitive aging in older Veterans diagnosed with PTSD
  • Discuss mechanisms by which neurocognitive disorders may heighten risk for re-emergence and/or exacerbation of PTSD symptoms in older trauma-exposed Veterans.

PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health

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