The 2011 Walk to End Alzheimers Commenced on the National Mall Saturday

On a sunny and clear skied Saturday morning, hundreds of people, young and old, met up at the Washington Monument to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's disease.The 22nd Annual Alzheimers's Walk was held by  the Alzheimer's Association. It is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for the disease.

 Alzheimer's is a disease that attacks the brain and effects memory, thinking and behavior. It is also the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.  According to the Alzheimer's Association this disease affects mostly elderly people above the age of 65.

 Before the walk began there were several informational booths and pamphlets beginning distributed for those who were interested. One of the main goals of the walk was to raise money and to raise awareness about this disease.  

An estimated 5.4 million people suffer with the disease in the United States. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of individuals with the disease may reach a whopping 16 million. The disease greatly affects the family, but especially the caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient.

Susie, a volunteer who did not want to give out her last name, petitioned people to sign letters that will be sent out to the senator.

"Alzheimer's is one of the lowest funded medical diseases and it is important that we send these letters to change that. We need to make it on the top of national priority," said Susie.

In the middle of the field as different local bands hit the stage-- people stretched in preparation for the walk. There was the option of walking three miles or one. Many families and friends joined together in purple supporting the cause in tribute of a family member. Most of the walk participants were first time walkers, while there were some who support the walk and Alzheimer's advocacy year round.

"This is the third year me and my daughter are walking in memory of my husband," said DC metropolitan native, Charlotte Peterson.  "I think raising awareness is just as important as raising the money," Peterson said.

Christina Tucker, 26, from Prince George's County, walked in memory of her great aunt.

"I remember her being very bubbly and very active, but as she got older it changed. She didn't talk as much and didn't move around as much as she used to," said Tucker. "Once [my family] found out that she had it, it started to make sense."

 Tucker's great aunt lived about 15 years after she was diagnosed. Her passing was especially difficult for her aunt who was the caregiver.

According to the Alzheimer's Association it is reported that 14.9 million caregivers go unpaid.  Sixty-one percent of caregivers usually go through the severe emotional stress and 43 percent go through severe physical stress when taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's disease. It is important that the caregiver remain informed, healthy, and seek additional help when needed.

While the mortality death rate declines for other major diseases, the mortality rate increased more than 66 percent for those with Alzheimer's.

For more information on Alzheimer's disease or how to get involved, go to:  www.alz.org.