Navigation Agent Orange Exposure and Dementia
Many Veterans, and their loved ones, have for years claimed neurological disorders due to exposure to herbicides, especially Agent Orange, in service. Many prior studies have found that Agent Orange exposure is associated with increased risk of a wide range of conditions, including neurologic disorders (like Parkinson’s disease) and metabolic disorders (such as type 2 diabetes). Although there have been claims regarding dementia due to herbicide exposure, the association between Agent Orange and dementia has been unclear.
However, a new study, published on January 25, 2021 in JAMA Neurology, makes it clear that Agent Orange exposure may increase the risk of dementia.[1] The study found that “of more than 300 000 veterans, those with Agent Orange exposure in their medical records were nearly twice as likely as those without exposure to receive a dementia diagnosis, even after adjusting for medical and psychiatric comorbidities and other variables.” Deborah Barnes, researcher with the University of California San Francisco and the VA, stated that “[e]ven though the absolute rates … are low, these veterans were still relatively young, so if the risk holds, we would expect that to increase as they age.”
If you have a claim for dementia due to herbicide exposure, the qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys at Gardberg and Kemmerly want to help in any way possible. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office, and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call the office at 251-343-1111 or 1-800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama. We would love an opportunity to discuss your claim.
