An estimated 275 residents from around Bozeman joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions at Lindley Park on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Participants raised more than $41,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

“I was inspired by Bozeman residents uniting in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease at Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Ruth Ann Marchi, an Alzheimer’s Association event chair for the Bozeman Walk to End Alzheimer’s and owner of Home Instead Senior Care. “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 did more than complete their choice between a 3-mile and half-mile walk. They 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 an emotional 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 Montana alone, there are 21,000 people living with Alzheimer’s. For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/walk.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s:
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research.   Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk ®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s.   Together, we can end Alzheimer’s — the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support.   Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.