Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Eighty-two percent of seniors indicate they believe it is important to have their thinking and memory check but only sixteen percent received regular cognitive assessments. This is important because every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops the disease. 5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. Between 2000 and 2017, deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145%. To break this astounding statistic down even further, one in three seniors dies from Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

You may have noticed changes in your own memory, thinking or behavior, or have noticed these changes in a family member or friend. These types of changes in a person create emotions such as fear, uncertainty, avoidance and/or devastation. It becomes very difficult to know what to do and perhaps easier to avoid rather than do anything. It is important to realize these are serious health concerns and action needs to be taken to find out what is going on. These actions include assessing the situation in more detail, having a conversation and requesting support from trusted family members or friends, and reaching out for help.

The Alzheimer’s Association has many resources available which can be accessed online or by calling the Chouteau County Extension Office. In addition, Montana State University Extension has teamed up with the Montana Alzheimer’s Workgroup and the Department of Public Health and Human Services to offer a free packet of information called “Concerned About Memory Loss: Legal and Financial Resources.”

The packet includes Montana-specific information with fact sheets about financial power of attorney, wills, beneficiary designations, letter of last instructions, Medicaid and long-term care costs, Montana Alzheimer’s Association information and the Montana Caregiver Act. As mentioned before, the packet is free and available at msuextension.org/alzheimer to download or order. We also have them available at the Chouteau County Extension Office for pick-up or we would be glad to mail them out.

Contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton with any questions or for more information.

Follow us on Facebook @ChouteauCountyExtension to keep up to date on what is happening in Chouteau County Extension and 4-H.

Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.