Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5033-9604

Date Available

5-8-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Community & Leadership Development

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Community and Leadership Development

Faculty

Stacy K. Vincent

Faculty

Wayne Sanderson

Abstract

The study explored potential dementia indicators and risk factors among older adults residing in rural areas who are actively engaged in farming operations. Data was collected in three components a questionnaire, an audiogram test, and a memory impairment screening. 104 people responded to the questionnaire, 133 participants took the audiogram test, and 94 participated in the memory impairment screening. The findings revealed that 80.9% of participants showed no sign of cognitive impairment while 19.1% showed signs of possible impairment. Participants reported moderate levels of physical and social activity, but common risk factors such as elevated BMI, diabetes, hearing loss, and sleep difficulties were prevalent. Audiogram results indicated a notable decline in high-frequency hearing, which is a recognized modifiable risk factor for dementia. Differences in dementia indicators were examined by sex and farming operation type, but no statistically significant variations were found. The study emphasizes the importance of early screening and intervention, particularly within rural populations, where access to healthcare and preventive resources may be limited. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature on rural aging and support the development of targeted strategies to reduce dementia risk through lifestyle and health-based interventions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.150

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