WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — With about one in every nine people over the age of 65 being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, many Americans have felt its impact. From that, Walk to End Alzheimer’s was born.

Patty Taylor, regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association, said just how big the impact is.

“In the state of Texas, there are over 400,000 persons living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nationwide, it’s over 5 million,” Taylor said.

With more than 600 communities nationwide participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s, it is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

On October 5, beginning at 8 a.m. teams will meet at Bud Daniel Park to walk to raise funds for our local Alzheimer’s Association and broader Alzheimer’s research.

Taylor said people gather to raise funds and awareness with the walk.

“We call it our biggest support group meeting of the year,” Taylor said. “The walk is a little over a mile; it’s Wichita Falls, so there’s one hill that’s in the beginning, but it’s not too bad. It’s all downhill after that.”

There is no registration fee to walk, but organizers ask that you register ahead of time to ensure that the standard waivers are signed. They also encourage participants to make personal donations and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers education programs and support for families and caregivers of people living with the disease. The money raised helps facilitate those programs and also supports Alzheimer’s research.

To register for the walk, to donate, or to find more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website .

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