J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2021 Nov;60(4):346-353. 10.4306/jknpa.2021.60.4.346.

Comparisons of Neuropsychological Characteristics of Elderly Subjects With Versus Without History of Agent Orange Exposure

• Han S
• Choi J
• So HS
• Choi H
• Jeon HJ
• Kim J
• Kim K

• KMID: 2523080
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2021.60.4.346

Abstract

Objectives
Agent Orange is a defoliant chemical that is widely known for its use by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. It is known to be associated with the occurrence of various diseases in exposed subjects. However, few previous studies have focused on the effects of exposure to Agent Orange on cognitive dysfunction.
Methods
A total of 387 male subjects participated in the study. They were divided into those who were exposed to Agent Orange (n=301) and those without exposure (n=86). Both were evaluated with neuropsychological batteries, including the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-Second Edition.
Results
The group exposed to Agent Orange showed significantly higher scores in the Rey Complex Figure Test copy and recognition compared to those without exposure.
Conclusion
In this study, we compared the effects of exposure to Agent Orange on cognitive function in groups that had not yet progressed to dementia. The Agent Orange exposure group showed better results in some tests evaluating visuospatial and memory function.

Keyword

Agent Orange; Cognitive decline; Cardiovascular risk factors; Neuropsychological tests