On October 27, the Lowcountry will rally in a display of hope at the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park here in Charleston, and we invite you to join us!
There's more to Walk to End Alzheimer's than just walking, and even more reasons to join us. We're walking for a different future. For families. For more time. For treatments.
This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against all dementia — and it fuels the efforts Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 support and to advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
We are at a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer's. There are now treatments that may slow disease progression for people in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s, and there are more in the research pipeline.
While these advances are incredible, we are just getting started. Because of community support for Walk to End Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer’s Association is advancing the most promising science across the globe. As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Alzheimer’s Association is investing more than $430 million in over 1,100 active projects in 56 countries — driving progress toward new treatments, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
We're also dedicated to offering reliable information, care and support to the millions of people facing Alzheimer’s — including the more than 112,500 people living with the disease here in South Carolina and their 219,000 caregivers.
Join the Fight to End Alzheimer’s
By joining the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, you're helping the Alzheimer’s Association provide care and support for families facing the disease today, investing in promising research and supporting work to ensure access to new treatments for all who could benefit. On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. All participants will receive a brightly-colored flower, each color representing their own personal connection to the disease. The walk itself is a casual 2-mile route through the surrounding area.
More about Alzheimer's Disease
Today, there are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.
Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and environment. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age cannot be changed, others — including physical activity, smoking, education, social and mental activity, blood pressure and diet — may be modified to reduce a person’s risk.
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care suggest that addressing modifiable risk factors might prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases. Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate these 10 healthy habits to potentially help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Be Proactive in Addressing Brain Changes
Another important way to take charge of your brain health is to know the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and be proactive in addressing them.
Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides diagnosed individuals more time to plan for the future, adopt lifestyle changes that may help slow disease progression, participate in clinical trials and to live with a higher quality of life, for as long as possible.
There are now treatments that may slow disease progression for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, making a timely diagnosis critically important. If you or a family is experiencing memory or thinking problems, it is important to get it checked. Talk to your doctor so you can make an informed decision on available treatments to determine if they are right for you.
Connect with Support
If you or someone you know is facing Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment or suspected memory loss, we are here for you. The Alzheimer’s Association is available all day, every day for people facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia through our free 24/7 Helpline. Call 800.272.3900 to talk to a dementia expert and get confidential emotional support, local resources, crisis assistance and information in over 200 languages. It's okay if you don't know where to start. Just give us a call and we'll guide you from there.
Get More Involved in the Fight to #ENDALZ
The Alzheimer’s Association is a volunteer-driven organization. We invite you to join us by helping your community fight back against the disease by volunteering with an Association event or program. In addition to event volunteers, we have a strong need for volunteer community educators. Visit alz.org/volunteer to learn more about how you can get involved.
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