Magazine addresses Alzheimers in rural Montana

 Helping a loved one through dementia and Alzheimer's can be a struggle.

That struggle gets even harder for Montanans who are far-removed from caregivers and essential healthcare providers.

To help increase education about caring for an Alzheimer's victim, Montana State University has compiled a new magazine on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias that is designed especially for Montana farmers and ranchers.

Montana has more than 21,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “Family caregivers of agricultural producers have approached me asking about financial and healthcare powers of attorney when I present estate and legacy planning meetings across the state,” Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist, said.

The new magazine is designed for Montana agricultural producers facing the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's diseases, their families and family caregivers.

“Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to Alzheimer’s and other related forms of dementia,” Goetting said. “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.”

Magazine article topics include potential causes, signs and early diagnosis; definitions of normal parts of aging; the progression of Alzheimer’s disease; caregiver wellness; communicating about a diagnosis, and options for treatment. The magazine also highlights Alzheimer’s disease research and treatments, and it includes some stories of Montana farm and ranch families who have a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease.

To get a printed copy of the magazine, contact the local MSU Extension office or order online atmontana.edu/extension/alzheimers/magorderform.html. A digital copy of the magazine is also online.