Advancing Alzheimer’s & Dementia Research for Veterans
The National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) network places a strong emphasis on advancing research in populations with unique risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), including veterans.
A Collaborative Research Partnership
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS) has joined Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals to form the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC). Veteran participation in the CADRC strengthens both the Center’s mission and the VA’s commitment to advancing veteran health care.
Advancing Alzheimer’s & Dementia Research for Veterans
The National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) network places a strong emphasis on advancing research in populations with unique risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), including veterans.
A Collaborative Research Partnership
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS) has joined Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals to form the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC). Veteran participation in the CADRC strengthens both the Center’s mission and the VA’s commitment to advancing veteran health care.
Expanding Access to National, NIH-Funded Studies
Through this partnership, veterans are represented in NIH-funded research, gain access to national studies, and are able to participate locally at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Including veterans in Alzheimer’s and dementia research is essential to accurately reflecting individuals of all backgrounds who are affected by aging-related cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Advancing Care Through Collaboration
By working together across VA and academic institutions, we aim to accelerate advances in diagnosis, treatment, and care that directly benefit the veteran community.
Expanding Access to National, NIH-Funded Studies
Through this partnership, veterans are represented in NIH-funded research, gain access to national studies, and are able to participate locally at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Including veterans in Alzheimer’s and dementia research is essential to accurately reflecting the diversity of individuals affected by aging-related cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Advancing Care Through Collaboration
By working together across VA and academic institutions, we aim to accelerate advances in diagnosis, treatment, and care that directly benefit the veteran community.
Research Access for Veterans
The CADRC at VANEOHS provides a collaborative, veteran-centered research environment that:
- Ensures veteran representation in Alzheimer’s and dementia studies
- Expands access to nationally funded research
- Allows veterans to participate in studies at their local VA facility
- Strengthens collaboration between VA and non-VA investigators
Research Access for Veterans
The CADRC at VANEOHS provides a collaborative, veteran-centered research environment that:
- Ensures veteran representation in Alzheimer’s and dementia studies
- Expands access to nationally funded research
- Allows veterans to participate in studies at their local VA facility
- Strengthens collaboration between VA and non-VA investigators
VA Research FAQs
Any veteran enrolled for care at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is eligible to access the study. Veterans may self-refer or be referred by their VA clinical providers. Study activities are based at the Wade Park Campus.
Most evaluations occur on-site at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (Wade Park Campus). Some optional research procedures, such as MRI scans or lumbar punctures (spinal taps), may take place at Cleveland Clinic.
Veterans may also choose to enroll directly through collaborating CADRC sites at Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals, if preferred.
No. Participation is completely voluntary. Choosing to take part—or not take part—will not affect your VA services, benefits, or rights. You may also withdraw from the study at any time without any loss of benefits or care.
Approximately 50% of veterans are aged 65 or older, compared to about 20% of the general population. Dementia risk increases significantly with age, doubling approximately every five years after age 65.
Veterans also experience higher rates of risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dementia has a profound impact on quality of life for veterans and their caregivers.
Despite this, veterans are inadequately represented in dementia research, including within the ADRC network. Many veterans prefer to participate in studies conducted within the VA system, where their involvement can directly benefit fellow veterans. Expanding veteran participation improves understanding of dementia causes, progression, and treatment—leading to better prevention, care planning, and outcomes.
You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless one of the following applies:
- You were discharged for a service-connected disability
- You were discharged due to hardship or early release
- You served prior to September 7, 1980
Members of the Reserves or National Guard must have been activated under federal orders and completed the full period of service. Active-duty training alone does not qualify for VA health care benefits.
Damien Horvath
Public Affairs Officer, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Phone: 216-339-5240, ext. 43151
If you are interested in participating in the CADRC VA program, please contact:
Elizabeth Pehek, PhD
Phone: 216-246-0340
VA Research FAQs
Any veteran enrolled for care at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is eligible to access the study. Veterans may self-refer or be referred by their VA clinical providers. Study activities are based at the Wade Park Campus.
Most evaluations occur on-site at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (Wade Park Campus). Some optional research procedures, such as MRI scans or lumbar punctures (spinal taps), may take place at Cleveland Clinic.
Veterans may also choose to enroll directly through collaborating CADRC sites at Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals, if preferred.
No. Participation is completely voluntary. Choosing to take part—or not take part—will not affect your VA services, benefits, or rights. You may also withdraw from the study at any time without any loss of benefits or care.
Approximately 50% of veterans are aged 65 or older, compared to about 20% of the general population. Dementia risk increases significantly with age, doubling approximately every five years after age 65.
Veterans also experience higher rates of risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dementia has a profound impact on quality of life for veterans and their caregivers.
Despite this, veterans are inadequately represented in dementia research, including within the ADRC network. Many veterans prefer to participate in studies conducted within the VA system, where their involvement can directly benefit fellow veterans. Expanding veteran participation improves understanding of dementia causes, progression, and treatment—leading to better prevention, care planning, and outcomes.
You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless one of the following applies:
- You were discharged for a service-connected disability
- You were discharged due to hardship or early release
- You served prior to September 7, 1980
Members of the Reserves or National Guard must have been activated under federal orders and completed the full period of service. Active-duty training alone does not qualify for VA health care benefits.
Damien Horvath
Public Affairs Officer, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Phone: 216-339-5240, ext. 43151
If you are interested in participating in the CADRC VA program, please contact:
Elizabeth Pehek, PhD
Phone: 216-246-0340
