From the Research
Military service in Vietnam is associated with several health risks, with Agent Orange exposure being the most significant, increasing the risk of various cancers, including head and neck cancer, as well as dementia, as supported by the most recent study in 2021 1. The health risks associated with military service in Vietnam are numerous and well-documented. Some of the key health risks include:
- Various cancers, such as prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, multiple myeloma, and soft tissue sarcomas, which have been linked to Agent Orange exposure 2, 3
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy, also associated with Agent Orange exposure 4, 3
- Dementia, with a recent study in 2021 finding that veterans exposed to Agent Orange were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia as those not exposed 1
- Other health risks from Vietnam service include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), infectious diseases like malaria and hepatitis, and hearing loss from combat noise exposure It is essential for veterans experiencing symptoms related to these conditions to seek medical evaluation and may qualify for VA benefits and specialized healthcare services. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2021, provides strong evidence for the association between Agent Orange exposure and dementia, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and support for veterans who may have been exposed to this toxic chemical 1.