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MSU Extension releases a new magazine: Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers
Marsha A. Goetting, Ph.D., CFP®, CFCS
Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist
E-mail: marsha.goetting@montana.edu
Voice: 406-994-5695
While Montana has over 22,000 people living with Alzheimer’s, there are no figures available about the number of agricultural producers who have the disease. I know they are out there because when I present estate and legacy planning meetings across the state family caregivers have approached me asking about financial and health care powers of attorney.
We developed this magazine because there is little information about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on farmers and ranchers. The magazine is designed specifically for Montana agricultural producers facing early to middle stages of Alzheimer's, their families, and family caregivers. The six articles provide information that can make a positive difference in their lives,
1. Agricultural Occupations and Alzheimer’s: Potential Causes, Signs, and Early Diagnosis
2. Alzheimer’s and other Dementias: NOT a Normal Part of Aging
3. Progression of Alzheimer’s
4. Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Wellness
5. Communicating about an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
6. Hope for the Future: Treatments or a Cure for Alzheimer’s?
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to Alzheimer’s and other related forms of dementia. It’s not a person’s fault when their brain shrinks, and they can’t remember or perform chores like they used to. Alzheimer’s is a disease, not a normal part of aging.
Farm and ranch families across Montana have shared their experiences about a family member who has Alzheimer’s. We incorporated some of their stories in the articles. For example, one family realized Grandpa had memory issues, but they didn’t grasp the seriousness of it until the day Grandpa hopped on the combine and drove it down the highway as fast as he could go. After the Dad and the granddaughter got over their shock, they took after him. He could not understand why his son was so upset.
The articles were authored by Goetting, Vicki Schmall, Emerita Professor and Extension Gerontology Specialist, Oregon State University; S. Dee Jepsen, Professor and Extension Agricultural Safe and Health State Leader at Oho State University; Tiffany Hensley-McBain, Assistant professor and Rebecca Brown, both at the McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Great Falls.
“We really appreciate the following organizations for providing funding to make the magazine available free to Montanans: AARP-Montana; AgWest Farm Credit, University of Montana Geriatric Education Center; and the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center,” said Goetting.
Montana Grain Elevators Association readers who want a copy of the magazine should contact their local MSU Extension County office or go to this website to order a free copy.
The magazine is also online. https://www.montana.edu/extension/pubs-linked-in-store/4641_Alzheimers_Magazine_Vol_1.pdf
For readers without computers call 406-994-5695 and leave your name and mailing address.
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