SPRINGFIELD — The way Mary Staring sees it, having Alzheimer’s disease is no different than any other disability.
“I want to do all that I can while I can,” the 75-year-old retired teacher said.
Although she was diagnosed with the progressive disease more than two years ago, Staring still volunteers at Mercy Medical Center and still plays in her church bell choir. And if she had her own way, she would still be driving.
Because of improved detection and greater public awareness of Alzheimer’s, Staring is one of a growing number of Alzheimer’s patients challenging today’s health care system — those diagnosed early enough with the disease to be fully aware of what is happening and to want to ward off its effects for as long as they can.
Staring will be part of the Miami Valley’s first regional town hall meeting Saturday, June 20, to hear from Alzheimer’s patients.
At least 18 early stage patients from the region will share their experiences and tell health care providers how they can best help patients cope with the disease.
As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior that worsen over time and lead to death.
But new drugs such as Aricept and Exelon are helping to delay the effects in some patients, including Staring.
Staring also combats the disease by staying active, mentally and physically. She keeps a diary to remind her of things she may have forgotten just the day before.
Knowing her diagnosis has helped set her mind at ease, she said. “I’m glad so that I know it’s not my fault that I can’t remember things.”
Then she added with a smile, “It also explains to all my friends why I acted the way I did.”
