Rochester, N.Y. - Elizabeth Pine loved the law. She served for nearly 40 years on the bench. Both in Family Court and then the Appellate Division.
It was shortly after she retired in 2010, that her family noticed symptoms, including memory loss.
Pine says she didn't notice anything at all: "I was going along, perfectly happy..I wasn't aware there was a problem, but my family was."
After testing, Pine was diagnosed with Early Stage Dementia. She is on a medication which slows down the progression of the illness, but knows there is no cure.
She is afraid of what the future holds, but not afraid to share her story. She wants others to know the importance of an early diagnosis.
Doctor Anton Porsteinsson, of the University Of Rochester Medical Center, runs the Memory Disorders Clinic at Monroe Community Hospital.
He says the earlier the patient is diagnosed, the better their outcome: "So we can start treating people before there is extensive damage to the brain."
Betty Pine has worked with the Alzheimer's Association to learn more about her illness and how she can keep her symptoms in check.
In addition to her medication, she eats right and exercises.
Betty applauds the decision by President Barack Obama to pledge an extra 50 million dollars to Alzheimer's research. She says that funding is needed to come up with better ways to diagnose the illness and treat it.
Pine says she feels good and is still able to drive and do everything else she enjoys.
The Alzheimer's Association says this new funding will offer more promise and hope for people with this disease.
