The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in Gulf War veterans: a follow-up study

• DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1301066
• Publication Date: 2024-01-22T04:24:13Z
• Authors: Linda L. Chao; Kimberly Sullivan; Maxine H. Krengel; Ronald J. Killiany; Lea Steele; Nancy G. Klimas; Bang-Bong Koo
• Keywords: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Depression

Introduction Gulf War Illness (GWI), also called Chronic Multisymptom (CMI), is a multi-faceted condition that plagues an estimated 250,000 (GW) veterans. Symptoms of GWI/CMI include fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. We previously reported 12% convenience sample middle aged (median age 52 years) GW veterans met criteria for mild impairment (MCI), clinical syndrome most prevalent in older adults (e.g., ≥70 years). The current study sought to replicate extend this finding. Methods used the actuarial neuropsychological Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assess status 952 examined regional brain volumes subset ( n = 368) who had three Tesla magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Results replicated our previous finding greater than 10% rate MCI four additional cohorts In combined 51 years at time testing), 17% MCI. Veterans classified as were more likely have CMI, history depression, prolonged (≥31 days) deployment-related exposures smoke from oil well fires chemical nerve agents compared with unimpaired intermediate status. hippocampal atrophy MCI, found significant group differences lateral ventricle volumes. Discussion Because increases risk late-life dementia impacts quality life, it may be prudent counsel dysfunction, high levels toxicants adopt lifestyle habits been associated lowering risk. With Food Drug Administration’s recent approval VA’s decision cover cost anti-amyloid β (Aβ) therapies, logical next step research determine if elevated Aβ their brains.