COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging Central Ohio residents to register for the 2025 Walks to End Alzheimer’s, a series of events scheduled across the region this fall to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is recognized as the world’s largest event of its kind, held in more than 600 communities nationwide. Funds raised directly support the Alzheimer’s Association’s initiatives, providing free education programs, support groups, and vital resources to individuals and families throughout Central Ohio.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a day filled with emotion, inspiration, inclusion and hope,” said Vince McGrail, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Central and Northwest Ohio chapters. “Walks bring people together and reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey. Every step we take as a community takes us closer to a cure.” McGrail emphasized the crucial need to raise money that will directly benefit Central Ohio families.

The 2025 Walks to End Alzheimer’s events in Central Ohio include:

Notably, the 2024 Columbus Walk surpassed $1 million raised for the first time. Individuals and teams can register by visiting the chapter’s Walk website.

The impact of Alzheimer’s disease continues to grow. For the first time, more than 7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, including an estimated 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Between 2000 and 2022, deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled, increasing by 142%, while deaths from heart disease, the leading cause of mortality, saw a decrease.

In Ohio, 452,000 caregivers contribute 679 million hours of unpaid care annually, valued at over $13.3 billion.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, or to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/centralohio. The Central Ohio Chapter can be reached at 614-457-6003, or the 24/7 Helpline is available at 800-272-3900.