More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease (AD or Alzheimer's for short), and by 2050, that number is expected to reach almost 13 million. Consequently, communities around the nation are coming together in a "Walk to End Alzheimer’s" to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.
Alzheimer’s can critically affect an individual's ability to carry out everyday tasks. Moreover, the emotional and physical toll Alzheimer’s can have on family members may feel overwhelming. In fact, studies have shown that family members of AD sufferers are likely to experience feelings of sadness, discouragement, and depression. Below are some fast facts about the consequences of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and behavior.
- About 60 to 70 percent of all cases of dementia are caused by Alzheimer's disease.
- The majority of cases of Alzheimer's occur in people over 65, making age the biggest risk factor for the disease.
- Alzheimer's disease currently has no known cure, but some medications can help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease's progression.
To spread awareness about the disease and fight for better treatment options for people suffering from Alzheimer’s, every year, typically between September and November, hundreds of walks are organized across the U.S. by local communities.
How You Can Join in the Fight to End Alzheimer’s
The Walk to End Alzheimer's is an annual event where participants come together to walk in solidarity with all those affected by the disease, honoring their strength and resilience. You can support the effort by looking for an organized walk in your community or by starting your team and asking others to join. Likewise, if you happen to be in Salt Lake City, Utah, you can show your support by joining the Nursa Team.
Can’t walk? No worries! There are plenty of other ways to get involved. You can donate directly to our Nursa Team Page or choose to sponsor an individual participant. Regardless of how you choose to participate, you can be sure that all funds raised through the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" support the Alzheimer's Association's care, support, and research initiatives.