Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises over $104,000

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's raised over $104,000 Sunday.

The Alzheimer's Association's mission is to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia through research and maximizing support. According to the organization, 55 million people live with Alzheimer's and other dementias worldwide. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia among adults, it is a brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.

So far, 72% of the organization's goal of $140,000 has been raised for the walk on Sunday morning. Last year, the walk raised a record number of donations at $134,000 to provide support and to help lawmakers develop new and helpful policies for people with Alzheimer's.

According to the Missouri Department of Public Health and Senior Services (DHSS), 120,000 people in Missouri are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. DHSS reports that the cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's will cost at least $1 trillion by 2050. The state has a plan of four focus areas with recommendations to help meet the needs of the voices heard in town halls.

Focus area 1: Advanced risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis

Focus area 2: Increase access to care, support and treatment

Focus area 3: Improve quality of care

Focus area 4: Ensure a coordinated statewide response

Sunday afternoon's walk will begin at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park in Jefferson City. Check-in for the event begins at 12 p.m. Those who wish to make a donation can do so at the Alzheimer's Association's website.