The Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina is hosting a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fayetteville on Oct. 26, at Segra Stadium, 460 Hay Street. Check-in is at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m.
“On Walk Day, participants and those affected with Alzheimer’s will participate in a poignant Promise Garden Ceremony-a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of assorted colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease,” according to Alzheimer’s’ Association Press Release.
There is a difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“Dementia is a general term that describes symptoms that affect cognitive ability, memory, thinking, and behavior. It is not a specific disease but rather an umbrella term for a group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause or type of Dementia, accounting for a majority of the cases. It is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive functions,” according to Diane Sievert, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
According to the AARP website, there are 10 Warning Signs of Dementia You Should Not Ignore: “Difficulty with everyday tasks, repetition, communication problems, getting lost, personality changes, confusion about time and place, misplacing things, troubling behavior, loss of interest or apathy, and forgetting old memories. Dementia can have multiple forms Lewy body, Vascular, Frontotemporal Disorder, and Alzheimer’s.”
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 all Alzheimer’s and all other dementia- by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina provides “Patient and family services, information, referrals, education, and advocacy in 51 counties. It offers involvement and a variety of services such as support groups, educational programs, and care consultations,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association-Eastern North Carolina website.
Kara Harrington, Senior Director, Marketing and Communication, Alzheimer’s Association of North Carolina shares insights and crucial statistics concerning Alzheimer’s awareness.
“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our walk day is an opportunity for the community to come together and connect for personal reasons to end the disease. Whether they are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, have lost someone to the disease, are supporting or caring for someone with the disease, or just support the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is a powerful morning of connection and inspiration,” she said.
“The Alzheimer’s Association Eastern Carolina is committed to advocating for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and advancing critical research toward treatment, prevention, and a cure. We also offer a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, that is available to anyone with a question or needing support or resources,” Harrington said.
“One in nine people aged 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly two-thirds of the Alzheimer’s population are women, non-Hispanics Blacks. Hispanics are disproportionately more likely than older whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. There are an estimated 6.9 million persons living with Alzheimer’s in the United States within the population of 65 and older, and Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth highest cause of death for persons 65 and older (recent statistic available is 2021).
“In North Carolina, 373,000 caregivers provide a total of 723 hours of unpaid labor, valued at a total of 10.9 billion dollars,” Harrington said.
The moment is now. Join the walk. Register as a team captain, volunteer, or sponsor for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Fayetteville. For more information visit the website, alz.org/northcarolina or email ksharrington@alz.org

(Photo: Participants in a past Walk to End Alzheimer’s carry purple flowers. Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina)