Participants walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and other dementia. PROVIDED

On Saturday, Dec. 2, hundreds impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia came out for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Lee County at Florida SouthWestern State College. Participants gathered to honor those living and lost to a disease impacting one in eight Florida seniors. 

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease impacting memory, thinking and behavior. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age however it is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and worsens over time. 

In total, more than 80 teams and 500 individuals raised $110,000 for care, support and research initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Funds are critical in helping families impacted by the disease and raising awareness on the signs of Alzheimer’s and how to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Research funding has led to new advancements in Alzheimer’s care. In July, the FDA approved the second treatment that has been shown to slow the progression of the disease. The treatments are only effective in the early stages of Alzheimer’s making early diagnosis critical. 

With only $10,000 remaining to hit their $120,000 goal, residents can still donate to the Walk at alz.org/LeeCountyWalk. Walk to End Alzheimer’s was locally supported by presenting sponsor Vitas Healthcare. 

Hundreds impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementia walk in Fort Myers. PROVIDED

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to  Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900 for additional information. 

Lee Belanger holds a blue flower to represent her recent Alzheimer's diagnosis. She walks with husband, Joe Belanger. PROVIDED

Sandi Falk holds a purple flower in honor of her mother who passed from Alzheimer's in 2014. PROVIDED

Kristin Rein and Katrina Summers walk for loved ones impacted by Alzheimer's. PROVIDED