Empowering Community Through Education: Alzheimer’s Awareness and Healthy Aging in Great Falls

Written By MegAnne Casey

On May 29th, researchers at the Weissman Hood Institute at Touro University (WHIT) teamed up with the Great Falls Public Library , the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Highgate Senior Living–Great Falls, and the Alzheimer’s Association Montana Chapter to host a free public event dedicated to education and resources surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging.

We were thrilled to see 38 members of our community attend, eager to learn more about this important topic. The event offered valuable tools for understanding memory health, emerging treatments, and wellness strategies.

Memory Screening and Early Detection

A major highlight of the event was the opportunity for attendees to receive free memory screenings, provided by the WHIT in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. These screenings are not diagnostic but are an important first step—designed to help individuals assess their memory health and share the results with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Memory issues can stem from a variety of treatable causes beyond Alzheimer’s disease, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, sleep problems, depression, urinary infections, and stress. Identifying and addressing these potential contributors with a medical professional can lead to improved health outcomes. Early detection of dementia-related conditions is particularly important, as it can broaden treatment options and improve quality of life.

Local Research and Hope for the Future

Dr. Tiffany Hensley-McBain, a scientist and professor at WHIT, shared cutting-edge updates on Alzheimer’s research happening right here in Great Falls. Her presentation also highlighted new and developing treatments, drawing keen interest from attendees eager to understand what options might be available in Montana.

Mind, Body, and Soul: Tai Chi for Healthy Aging

Another engaging component of the day was a Tai Chi session led by Kyla Rock from DPHHS. This gentle, meditative movement practice offered attendees a chance to experience its potential benefits firsthand. Tai Chi has been shown to support balance and mobility, reduce stress, increase flexibility and strength, and even contribute to cardiovascular and cognitive health—an ideal complement to the day’s focus on aging well.

Documentary Screening: Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s

The event concluded with a community dinner—taco bar generously provided by Highgate Senior Living—and a screening of the new PBS documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s, directed by Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green. This powerful film weaves together personal stories of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s, offering insight into both the challenges and moments of resilience that accompany the disease.

Additional Resources

If you or someone you love is affected by memory issues or Alzheimer’s disease, the following resources offer further information and support:

The researchers at Weissman-Hood Institute at Touro University are committed to improving lives through science, education, and community engagement—especially for those in our rural and aging populations. We are proud to collaborate with partners across Montana to provide knowledge, resources, and hope for individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s disease. If you wish to support us in this cause, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss how your philanthropic support can advance cutting-edge research and outreach that benefits Montanans by emailing Dr. Hensley-McBain at thmcbain@mclaughlinresearch.org

We look forward to more opportunities to connect with and support our incredible community!

-WHIT Clinical Research Team

MegAnne Casey
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