U of M professor takes Alzheimer's education to all 87 Minnesota counties

June 30, 2026 - 23:43

More than 100,000 residents in Minnesota who are 65 or older currently live with Alzheimer's disease. University of Minnesota professor Joseph Gaugler has taken on a personal mission to visit all 87 counties across the state. His goal is to raise awareness about the disease and learn how dementia care varies from one community to another.

Gaugler recently spoke about his travels and the insights he has gained. He explained that each county presents unique challenges and resources when it comes to supporting families affected by Alzheimer's. In rural areas, access to specialists and memory care facilities can be limited, while urban counties often have more services but face higher demand.

Through these visits, Gaugler aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world care. He meets with local health workers, caregivers, and patients to understand their specific needs. The information he collects helps shape better educational programs and support systems for families statewide.

By covering every corner of Minnesota, Gaugler hopes to reduce the stigma around dementia and ensure that no community is left behind. His work highlights the importance of localized knowledge in fighting a disease that touches so many lives.