NICEVILLE, Fla. — Families and caregivers across Okaloosa County joined together at Northwest Florida State College to mark the start of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter.
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The annual event raised funds and awareness for a disease affecting more than 12% of Floridians age 65 and older.
Participants carried bright flowers symbolizing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Blue flowers represented those living with the disease, yellow honored caregivers, purple remembered loved ones lost, and orange symbolized hope for a future without Alzheimer’s.
For more than 17 years, Niceville resident Brook Batson has worked in senior care, including memory care and assisted living. Her professional mission became personal when her father-in-law was diagnosed with the disease.
“Surround yourself with those who understand what you are going through,” Ms Batson said.
“Manage it as a family, as it takes a village.”
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More than seven million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Florida reportedly has the nation’s second-highest number of residents living with the disease, making local support and fundraising efforts critical.
Recent FDA-approved treatments are said to slow Alzheimer’s progression, offering families hope for more time with loved ones. However, such treatments are effective only in the early stages, emphasizing the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
“This Walk is the biggest support group of the year,” said Tina Henson, development manager for Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
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“By participating in this event, we’re not only funding critical research and treatments, but also bringing families together to support each other and realize they are not alone.”
Nationally presented by Edward Jones and locally presented by Emerald Coast Hospice Care, the event raised more than $26,000 for Alzheimer’s care, research, advocacy, and awareness through the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter, which released the information.
For more information or to donate, visit alz.org/Walk.
