FROM STAFF REPORTS/For the Reporter 

BIRMINGHAM – Nearly 380 residents from Birmingham joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions at Heardmont Park and Senior Center. Participants raised an estimated $31,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs, according to a press release from the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I was inspired by Birmingham residents uniting in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Mari Wohlfarth, an Alzheimer’s Association co-chair for the Birmingham Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “With funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”

Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the Association’s critical role in the fight against it, including the latest about Alzheimer’s research and current clinical trials, how they can become involved in advocacy efforts at home and in Washington, DC and the Association’s support programs and services. The event also included a tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In Alabama alone, there are 91,000 people living with Alzheimer’s. For more information or to make a donation, visit Alz.org/walk.