MSU Extension Releases Free Magazine on Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

Montana State University Extension has released volume two of a magazine on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The free magazine is designed for Montana agricultural producers facing the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families and family caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers” includes six articles. Those articles discuss Alzheimer’s disease and driving, wandering, safety measures in homes and surrounding environments, planning for the cost of long-term care, legal documents, including financial, health, and estate documents, and helping children understand Alzheimer’s.

Volume one of the magazine also has six articles discussing potential causes, signs, and the importance of an early diagnosis, the progression of Alzheimer’s and how it is not a normal part of aging, caregiver wellness, communicating with others about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and treatments for Alzheimer’s.

“Working in isolation and living in Montana’s rural communities creates a need for education about Alzheimer’s specific to farm and ranch operations,” said MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist Marsha Goetting, lead author of the magazine. “Empowering farm and ranch families to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s and ensure the safety of the person living with Alzheimer’s were specific reasons we created this publication. Another was to enable caregivers to know the vital importance of self-care for their physical, mental, and emotional health.”

To obtain a copy of either volume of the magazine, contact a local MSU Extension office or go online to download or order a copy (with free shipping) at https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/magorderform.html.

The following organizations provided funding to make the magazine available to Montanans at no charge: AARP Montana, AgWest Farm Credit, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Geriatric Education Center at the University of Montana, and Western Extension Risk Management Education.

In addition to Goetting, authors include Vicki Schmall, emerita professor and Extension gerontology specialist at Oregon State University; S. Dee Jepsen, professor and Extension agricultural safety and health state leader at Ohio State University; Jennifer Munter, assistant director, MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program; and E. Edwin Eck, emeritus professor, Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.