CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Three people have been charged with neglecting a 63-year-old woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Two of the defendants are children of the woman.

Monte Pitchford, 42, and his girlfriend, Katharine Biggs, 41, were bound over to Laramie County District Court after a preliminary hearing before Judge Denise Nau on Wednesday. Leslie Pitchford, Monte's 39-year-old sister, is awaiting a preliminary hearing. All three are from Cheyenne.

Prosecutors say that the three were responsible for Joyce Pitchford, who has been diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, and that they failed to take her to a physician for treatment of a rash.

The felony charge of neglecting a vulnerable adult can mean up to 10 years in prison under state law.

On Jan. 20, Joyce Pitchford saw a physician, who diagnosed the eczema brought on by emotional stress. Dr. Larry Houtchens also told investigators Joyce Pitchford was an "obvious victim of neglect" and that her care is inadequate.

Both women were released on $1,500 cash bond, but Monte Pitchford asked the court to reduce his bond to 10 percent of $2,000. Nau granted that motion, and ordered the three to avoid contact with each other and Joyce Pitchford.

Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com