Why are we doing this study?
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 older adults with longest-held jobs in agriculture experience greater odds of developing dementia than those in other occupations. 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. We hope to learn:
- 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?
What are we doing?
We are asking current or past caregivers/family members of a farm worker or resident diagnosed with dementia/cognitive impairment to participate in a 60-minute telephone or web interview (via Zoom) about their experience.
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/cogntive impairment is particularly valuable. The information you provide about yourself and your family member will not be shared with anyone outside of the project team.
Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card as compensation for their time.
Contact us
If you are interested in participating in the research study or if you would like to know more about the study before you decide to participate, please contact the Principal Investigator at the University of Iowa, Dr. Kanika Arora at (319) 384-3817 or email her at kanika-arora@uiowa.edu.