Seeking Farm Families touched by Alzheimer's/Dementia

Over 6 million individuals currently live with dementia – a brain disorder characterized by progressive decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other cognitive domains. Recent work has shown that relative to other occupations, older adults with longest-held jobs in agriculture experience greater odds of developing dementia. Given the hazardous nature of agriculture, the impact of dementia and cognitive impairment on older agricultural workers and their families is an area of public health concern.

There is a lot that researchers do not know about dementia in agriculture. For instance, what are the unique safety concerns associated with dementia and cognitive impairment in agricultural settings? How do caregivers and family members currently manage these concerns? What resources on dementia and cognitive impairment are available to farm families? What are the unmet needs of farm families in managing the health and safety of an older adult with dementia or cognitive impairment?

In order to learn more about dementia in agriculture, researchers from the University of Iowa and University of Illinois invite current or past caregivers/family members of a farm worker or resident diagnosed with dementia/cognitive impairment to participate in a study. As a close relative or a friend, your insight in helping us identify the most urgent concerns associated with ensuring the health and safety of an older adult with dementia/cognitive impairment is particularly valuable.

If you agree, you will be asked to participate in a telephone or web (via Zoom) interview in which a member of our team will ask you about your experience. The interview will last no more than 60 minutes.  The information you provide about yourself and your family member will not be shared with anyone outside of the project team.

If you are interested in participating in the research study or if you would like to know more about the study please contact:

Dr. Kanika Arora, University of Iowa, Principal Investigator
(319) 384-3817
kanika-arora@uiowa.edu

Are you an Extension Educator who works or have worked with farm families touched by Alzheimer's/dementia? 

• Are interested in participating and plan to attend one of the two planned focus groups?
• Are interested in participating in one of the focus groups but are unable at both dates/times?
• Would like to know more about the research study before you decide to participate? 

Contact Dr. Arora for more information