Living with Alzheimer's - one day at a time

Seventy-nine-year old Rita Oviatt learned four months ago she has Alzheimer's disease. She chooses to live each day as best she can.

"I have to do well," Oviatt said. "I don't have family here, only friends."

For more than 10 years, Oviatt has volunteered at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. She recently fell and hurt her pelvis, and therapy takes up much of her time. She hasn't been able to visit the senior center as often as she would like.

Oviatt's positive and cheerful attitude is contagious. The Alzheimer's Memory Walk committee has chosen to name this year's walk in her honor.

The first walk was in memory of Ayer Tonge, late husband of Barbara Tonge, administrative assistant at the senior center and chairwoman of the Carson City walk.

"Isn't that nice?" Oviatt said of the honor. "It is kind of a surprise to me. I think it's nice."

Oviatt's caretaker, Yvonne Hallsworth, visits her twice each weekday. Hallsworth takes her to the senior center for lunch, for drives around the area and to Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church on Sundays, when she Oviatt well.

"At times, her memory is so clear," Hallsworth said. "She remembers her life as a child in Germany and camping with her late husband. Other days, I have to remind her of what happened and when it happened.

"She depends on me to reaffirm things with her. That what she's thinking of was not a dream, but really did happen."

Oviatt sat in a chair Monday afternoon in her living room, petting her tortoise shell calico cat, "Kit Kat," whom Oviatt claims adopted her.

"She just showed up one day and let herself into the house," Oviatt said with a smile.

"She's so easy to care for," Hallsworth said. "She's a sweetheart. I help her properly remember things."

"That's all she can do," Oviatt replied.

"I have a therapist come in two days a week for therapy, and I exercise the other days. I have good and bad days."

Oviatt doesn't worry about her future and mental condition. She lives in and for today.

"I do write down notes and stick them on the cabinet in the kitchen," she said. "I do depend on Yvonne. I have no family here. My husband, Willard, died in 1984. All my family is in Germany and Switzerland.

"But I think now I am being more careful about how I do things. And I read every day. I used to knit and crochet; my mother taught me that. She was a school teacher."

Oviatt said she will be at the Memory Walk on Sept. 19.

"That's where you can go and make friends," she said. "You can make friends at the walk and the senior center."

IF YOU GO

What: Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada Memory Walk

When: Sept. 19; registration at 8:30 a.m.; walk begins 9:30-10 a.m.

Where: Capitol grounds; walk along the Blue Line Tour (1 mile)

Cost: Sponsorship donations

Call: 883-0703 or 786-8061

Online: www.alznorcal.org

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.