The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place Saturday at Vernon Woods Retirement Community.

Around 250 people took part in the walk and money continues to pour in toward its $58,000 goal. An estimated 5.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Anyone who has had a loved one go through Alzheimer’s knows how difficult it can be. The disease is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. Memory loss starts off mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s patients lose the ability to carry on a conversation and to respond to their environment. Symptoms usually begin with difficulty remembering newly learned information, but in time they can include disorientation, mood and behavior changes, confusion and unfounded suspicions about family and friends.

The disease doesn’t just affect the older population either. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The hope is that one day there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatment can currently slow symptoms, but doesn’t stop it from progressing.

We encourage anyone who’s able to consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, which is continuing to push for a cure. Alzheimer’s affects people of all races, backgrounds and beliefs.

Everyone probably knows at least one person who has been affected by the disease.

For more information or to donate to the LaGrange Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org.