Veterans bring a lifetime of service—and sometimes invisible wounds—into dementia care settings. NCCDP’s specialized training for nurses caring for veterans living with dementia is designed to help clinicians recognize military-related health factors, communicate with cultural humility, and deliver trauma-informed, patient-centered care that honors each veteran’s identity and history.
Why veteran-specific training matters
Military experiences can shape how dementia presents and how care is received. This course translates those realities into practical bedside strategies: assessing risk, preventing triggers, building trust, and tailoring routines that respect military culture. You’ll explore health considerations, communication, VA navigation, medication safety, sensory changes, and socialization—with actionable tools you can use immediately.
Learn about the Certified Dementia Practitioner credential (CDP®)
Foundational Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care (ADDC) education
Key clinical threads
1) Service-related conditions that complicate cognition
- PTSD & TBI: These can overlap with or accelerate cognitive decline and shape behaviors, sleep, startle responses, and trust. Screen early, de-escalate proactively, and coordinate interdisciplinary care.
- Liver disease & HE (reversible contributors): A national VA cohort suggests that a meaningful share of veterans initially labeled with “dementia” may actually have cognitive decline related to undiagnosed cirrhosis/hepatic encephalopathy—warranting FIB-4 screening and targeted treatment.
- Service injuries & exposures: Consider mobility limits, chronic pain, and potential exposure histories (e.g., burn pits, Agent Orange) when planning ADLs, monitoring respiratory status, and setting safety precautions.
2) Trauma-informed communication rooted in military culture
- Use clear, direct, respectful language; match preferred phrasing and, when helpful, familiar timekeeping (e.g., 1300 hours).
- Build routines that echo the structure many veterans value; mark meaningful dates (unit anniversaries, Veterans Day) to support identity and orientation.
- Partner with family to identify no-go topics and known triggers; honor pride while avoiding re-traumatization.
3) Sensory health = safety
Untreated vision/hearing loss fuels misinterpretations and defensive reactions. Routine screenings, correct devices, and environmental cues (e.g., labeled signage using familiar military terms—some veterans may refer to the bathroom as the “Head”) can reduce risk and distress.
4) Medication red flags
Review anticholinergics, sedatives, and opioids; watch for withdrawal from alcohol/benzodiazepines and new-start effects that can worsen confusion or hallucinations. Coordinate deprescribing when appropriate.
5) Personalization that preserves dignity
Document the veteran’s life story (branch, unit, roles, achievements) to guide meaningful activities—from march-tempo music for gait/exercise to reminiscence that centers pride without revisiting trauma.
Navigating supports for veterans & families
VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP): Local CSP teams provide education, skills training, coaching, and respite options.
VA Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care: Overview of benefits, services, and care settings via Geriatrics & Extended Care.
Coordinate with social work on disability compensation, pension, and Aid & Attendance, especially when conditions may be service-connected.
Quick practice checklist
- Capture branch, role, deployments, meaningful dates; document “avoid” topics early.
- Screen for PTSD/TBI, sleep disturbance, under-reported pain, vision/hearing needs, and anticholinergic burden.
- Add FIB-4 when cognitive change is unexplained or out of proportion; escalate HE pathways if indicated.
- Remove or lock weapons/hazardous items; simplify the environment with clear signage and predictable routines.
- Offer military-aligned activities (marching cadence walks, unit songs) while avoiding trauma-linked content.
- Refer caregivers to VA CSP and provide NCCDP communication/behavior tips.
Related NCCDP resources
CDP® Certification Pathways — build a shared language and standard of excellence across your team.
ADDC Education — evidence-based fundamentals for any setting.
NCCDP Blog & Practice Tips — practical articles for teams and families.
NCCDP is committed to elevating dementia care for all who served. If you have stories, tools, or questions from your practice, please share them with our community—we’ll continue to learn together.
