DES MOINES, Iowa — The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday morning, people gathered in support and discussed the growing concerns surrounding the disease.

In 1989 the Alzheimer’s Association introduced the Memory Walk, they are now leading the way with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Though donations are appreciated, the walk is free to participate in. This year had an enormous turn out of families and friends all gathered to support each other and the cause.

The walk doesn’t just raise funds for research, it also spreads awareness of the growing danger. From 2000 to 2021 the number of deaths related to Alzheimer’s has more than doubled. An estimated seven million people in America live with Alzheimer’s.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that can give families more valuable time with their loved one,” said Chantelle Cadek, local Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee Member. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a Walk team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease and vital research to find more treatments, and ultimately a cure.”

As part of the experience people were invited to place their flower in the Promise Garden. Blue represents people living with Alzheimer’s, purple represents someone who has died from the disease, yellow is for people currently caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, and orange reflects participants who support the cause and a world without Alzheimer’s.

Ken Gregersen has been participating in the walk for eight years. Ken’s wife had Alzheimer’s and after she died in 2020, he started to work more directly with the organization.

“I was her caregiver during that long process,” said Gregersen. “I’ve kind of dedicated my life, in her memory, to try to help other people that are making this journey”

Ken runs support groups that reach not only people who have Alzheimer’s but also their support systems. Support groups help people with Alzheimer’s learn more about their condition and what to expect in the future. They also help caregivers learn healthcare practices and how to best look after their loved one.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and the journey to finding a cure visit their website.