MSU Extension Releases a New Magazine: Alzheimer's and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers

While Montana has more than 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 family caregivers have approached me wanting to know about financial and health care powers of attorney during my estate planning meetings across the state,” said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist.

The MSU Extension 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,” shared Kaleena Miller, Madison-Jefferson County Extension Agent. The titles are:

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,” shares Goetting. “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 the state have shared their experiences about a family member who has Alzheimer’s,” said Goetting. “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 off after him. The granddaughter drove the pickup close to the combine so her dad could leap on. Grandpa was surprised to see his son and asked if he wanted to ride with him to a nearby town. He could not understand why his son was 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 Ohio 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.

Goetting is well-known for her estate planning programs across the state plus webinars and TeleTown Halls for AARP-Montana. She and the other authors want farmers and ranchers who are in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, to know they still can complete legal documents to assure their financial, health, and legacy planning wishes are known by their families. After completing the proper legal documents, they can then focus on enjoying and appreciating life.

While there is no magic pill to ward off aging and cognitive decline, the future is bright for Alzheimer’s disease research and treatments. There is a research program in Montana offered by the McLaughlin Research Institute in Great Falls. Scientists there are dedicated to helping ease the burden on Montana families by facilitating clinical trials and researching new potential therapies and diagnostics.

They have launched the HERO Registry for a Healthier Montana: Help Expand Research Opportunities. With this registry, they are seeking individuals who are willing to take part in future clinical research studies. Any person of any age and health status can register, as researchers need participants who have a neurodegenerative disease (including Alzheimer’s disease) as well as healthy control participants. For more information visit: mclaughlinresearch.org/hero.

Even if you don’t yet know someone with memory issues you may want to educate yourself for when the day arrives that you do. As one daughter whose Mother passed away from Alzheimer’s emailed after she read Volume 1. “I have learned so much I didn’t know.”

Readers who want a copy of the magazine should call the MSU Extension Madison-Jefferson County Office 406-287-3282. The magazine is also online at https://bit.ly/4bHMidX.