Ex-Harford executive, says he has dementia
David Craig, a former Harford County Executive, Havre de Grace Mayor, state legislator and state planning secretary — has been diagnosed with dementia, he and his family announced Monday.
They are now calling on greater investment in medical research about the disease.
In an op-ed announcing his diagnosis, Craig noted nearly 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s or dementia and stressed the need for increased research into the disease. According to a report by the Alzheimer’s Association, identifying and accurately diagnosing the condition could save $7.9 trillion in medical and care costs, he wrote.
The disease’s progress has been slow, thankfully, in Craig, his daughter Pamela Craig said. He can still assemble a 1,000-piece puzzle over the course of two days, but his manner and appearance could change as the disease progresses, she said.
Pamela Craig said she wanted to let Harford County and Havre de Grace residents know in advance.
The town is a close-knit community, and conversations often spring up on the street as passersby recognize each other. Walking with her father, she said, is no exception.
Because Craig’s family lives in the area and sees him often, Pamela Craig said it was easy to notice small changes in her father’s speech and actions. Still, the family wanted to let county residents know that Craig is still as approachable and open to conversation as ever.
Craig served as the mayor of Havre de Grace from 1985 to 1989 and again from 2001 to 2005. Between 1991 and 1994, he served in Maryland’s House of Representatives, and as a state senator from 1995 until 1999. He was elected Harford’s county executive in 2005 and served until 2014.
Pamela Craig said the family is doing everything it can for her father, including treatment ensuring his safety in case he gets lost or loses his balance — an associated issue in many dementia patients.