Health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion in 2050

It’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s season, and hundreds of Northern Virginia residents will unite this weekend in a sea of purple to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Walks will take place on the National Mall in DC on Saturday and at the Reston Town Center on Sunday. Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. 

Among those returning to walk this year is Centreville resident Tracy Cheifetz, captain of Team Amy’s Army. The team of family and friends has been participating in the Northern Virginia Walk since 2018 in honor of Cheifetz’s mother, Amy Shimkus, who died with Alzheimer’s in March 2022. “My Mom was a nurse. She participated in drug trials and knew that they would not help her – but might help others someday,” says Cheifetz, who shares her time and enthusiasm for the cause as a member of the Northern Virginia Walk planning committee. She encourages people to participate. “If you know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s, the Walk is a great way to honor them. I walk to raise money and hope that one day we will end Alzheimer’s.”

Natasha Carnell of Alexandria will be walking on the National Mall in honor of her mother, Marty, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Carnell knows how hard caregiving can be. “What keeps me up at night is thinking about how many individuals living with dementia do not have access to the same level of care and commitment as Mom does” says Carnell, who serves on the DC Walk planning committee. “I am proud of the work we are doing to raise much needed funds for continued research towards a cure and am hopeful for our collective futures.”

The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s is staggering. Nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with the disease, and more than 11 million family members and friends are providing their unpaid care. Health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

“There has never been a greater need for the community to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Kate Rooper, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. “Funds raised through the Walk will provide information, education and support to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families and caregivers, while also contributing to advancing critically needed research.”

In addition to the Walks in DC and Northern Virginia this weekend, the chapter will hold Walks in Old Town Manassas on Oct. 19 and at the National Harbor and in Winchester on Oct. 26. Participants will learn about resources, support and volunteer opportunities. They also participate in a poignant Promise Garden ceremony — an experience that signifies the solidarity of the Walk participants in the fight against the disease as each person holds a Promise Garden flower representing their personal reason to end the disease. 

Participation in Walk to End Alzheimer’s is free. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds. Visit alz.org/ncawalks or call 800.272.3900.