For years, researchers have been working to discover which cellular processes allow humans to learn and store memories, and how these processes are compromised by diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. Researchers at NIH say they believe they have uncovered one piece to this puzzle.

“The prayer that has been mine for 20 or more years, that I might be permitted in some way or sometime to do something to alleviate human suffering, has been answered!” – Walter Reed (1851-1902)

This quote was from a letter Walter Reed wrote from Columbia Barracks, Quenados, Cuba, to his wife and daughter during the last few minutes of the 19^th century, 11:50 p.m., December 31, 1900.¹

WASHINGTON — Clyde Foster may have retired from the Army after 26 years of service, but, as an Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) advocate, his service to his country has not stopped.

WASHINGTON — With wars that have gone on for almost a decade, the Army has more soldiers with substance-abuse problems than it can handle and is trying to expedite hiring counselors to help bring the problem under control.

WASHINGTON — A new chapter in military medicine is set to begin this month with the opening of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

WASHINGTON — An antipsychotic medication commonly used by VA to treat combat-related PTSD has been found to have no discernible benefit. Patients taking the drug risperidone (Risperdal) did no better than those taking a placebo, according to a recent VA-run study.

WASHINGTON — Poor coordination and staffing problems were identified as major factors in veterans’ receiving inadequate care at Atlanta VA Medical Center mental-health clinics, according to a VA Inspector General (IG) report released last month. This report is the latest of many released by oversight agencies that point out the gaps in VA’s mental-health services.

WASHINGTON — Surgical errors have declined significantly at VA facilities nationwide, while the reporting of close calls has increased, according to a recent study. The study, conducted by VA researchers, credits agency-led quality improvement efforts with the decline in adverse events.

WASHINGTON — Military beneficiary groups and physician groups are watching closely how Medicare rates will fare under the deal on the debt ceiling that was agreed upon by Congress last month. Because TRICARE rates are generally set at those for Medicare, any changes to those rates could impact TRICARE reimbursement rates for civilian providers who treat beneficiaries.

WASHINGTON — An FDA process for approving some medical devices, in use for the past 35 years, lacks the ability to reliably screen new products for safety and effectiveness prior to their release.