Thousands of loved ones, caregivers and supporters of Coloradans living with Alzheimer’s disease will come together Saturday, Sept. 17, for the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

One of 13 Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado Walks to End Alzheimer’s in 2022, the Denver Walk will raise funds to provide essential services to families and support research to find a cure. The Walk has a fundraising goal of $1.2 million. Collectively, the 13 Walks have a target of $2.42 million.

More than 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, the seventh-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without prevention or cure. 

“This disease annually kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said Rebecca Engle, director of the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “It’s time we put an end to Alzheimer’s.”

The proceeds from the Walks are the primary sources of funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, enabling it to continue to provide the information, programs and services for those who receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as well as services for their family and caregivers. All of those services are provided at no charge.

Research to find a cure

Walks also support research to find a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research. Currently, it is funding 920 projects with over $300 million in 45 countries around the world.

Edward Jones and CVS Health are national presenting sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Statewide sponsors are Bank of Colorado and Seniors Blue Book. Arapahoe County, HealthOne, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Pride Of Denver Group, Sparks Financial, Spectrum Retirement Communities and Xactly are among the local sponsors.

Walk in Denver

The Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s registration will open at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd. To register, volunteer or make a donation to any of the 13 Colorado Walks to End Alzheimer’s, go to www.alz.org/walk. For more information, call the free 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900. 

Key facts about Alzheimer’s disease

• 76,000 Coloradans are among 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease  
• Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined
• Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 145%, while deaths from heart disease have declined 7%
• Women make up two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – and two-thirds of the family caregivers
• In Colorado alone, more than 159,000 family and friends are serving as unpaid caregivers, providing an estimated 184 million hours of support in 2021 valued at more than $3.7 billion.