Yellowstone Times

Montana State University Extension has announced the release of the second volume of its magazine focused on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The publication, titled “Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias: Support for Montana Farmers and Ranchers,” is available at no cost and targets Montana agricultural producers in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s, along with their families and caregivers.

The latest volume features six articles covering various topics such as Alzheimer's disease and driving, wandering, safety measures in homes, planning for long-term care costs, legal documents, and educating children about Alzheimer’s. The first volume also included six articles addressing potential causes, signs of the disease, caregiver wellness, communication strategies regarding an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and treatment options.

“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 Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist and lead author of the magazine. She added that empowering families to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s was a key motivation behind creating this resource.

The magazine can be obtained through local MSU Extension offices or online with free shipping. Interested individuals can visit https://www.montana.edu/extension/alzheimers/magorderform.html for more information.

Funding for the magazine was provided by several organizations including 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, contributors to the publication include Vicki Schmall from Oregon State University; S. Dee Jepsen from Ohio State University; Jennifer Munter from MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program; and E. Edwin Eck from Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.