Impact of War Trauma on Brain Health in Vietnamese Americans

As the United States commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end, recent research from UC Davis and UC San Francisco sheds light on the enduring effects of war trauma and resilience among Vietnamese Americans who fled their homeland. The study, involving over 500 older Vietnamese Americans from Sacramento and Santa Clara County, explores how early traumatic experiences linked to war, displacement, and immigration influence brain health as they age. Participants shared profound stories of hardship, including injuries, bombings, imprisonment, boat escapes, refugee camps, and personal losses. Remarkably, many also expressed themes of strength, resourcefulness, and gratitude, highlighting resilience as a vital factor in coping with past trauma.

Lead researcher Uyen Vu emphasized that understanding resilience is key to addressing health outcomes, noting that many participants showcased mental fortitude and clever coping strategies. The research underscores the importance of culturally sensitive interventions that recognize existing strengths to support mental and cognitive health.

Furthermore, the study reveals how personal narratives, especially from those who directly experienced conflict, offer critical insights into the civilian toll of the Vietnam War and refugee trauma. The senior author, Dr. Oanh Meyer, shares her personal connection, as her mother, a Vietnam War refugee, faces dementia, fueling her passion for this research.

The findings point to a dual reality: trauma's lasting impact and the empowering role of resilience and gratitude. Recognizing and fostering these strengths can help mitigate the risks of cognitive decline and mental health issues among aging Vietnamese Americans. The ongoing VIP study aims to deepen understanding of how early life trauma and later-life resilience intersect, with the goal of improving support systems for vulnerable populations.

This research emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed, culturally appropriate healthcare approaches that not only monitor for risks but also nurture inherent resilience, ultimately enhancing quality of life for aging immigrant and refugee communities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-war-trauma-affects-vietnamese-americans.html