Although the local 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s isn’t until October, organizers are planning a kick-off ice cream social Thursday, Aug. 13. It will start at 6 p.m. at Brookdale Senior Living, 1206 Patton Rd. in Great Bend.

Denise Vann, outreach coordinator for the Alzeimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas will present information, field questions and help with walk registration, said Malissia Pflughoeft, event organizer and executive director of County Place Senior Living in Hoisington.

The walk itself is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Barton County Courthouse Square in Great Bend. Registration starts at 1 p.m. with the walk starting at 2.

Those wanting to participate can call 316-267-7333 for more information or to register. One can also sign up online at alz.org/walk.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nations largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research,” Pflughoeft said. “Each year, more than 2,500 community members gather to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The association also lists the following statistics:

• An estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease will rise to 13.8 million by 2050.

• Almost half a million (around 473,000) people age 65 or older will develop Alzheimer’s in the U.S. in 2015. 

• In 2014, 15.7 million caregivers provided more than 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $217.7 billion.

• Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease - 3.2 million - are women.

• In 2015, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $226 billion, including $153 billion in the cost to Medicare and Medicaid.

With this information in mind, Pflughoeft said events like this walk are all that more important. “Please join us for the largest local event that raises awareness and funds for alzheimer’s care, support and research.”