Join the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 3

The Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter invites King County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s–King County on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Seattle Center International Fountain.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope,” said Meghan Means, senior director of development for the Washington chapter. “Together, we can build a brain‑healthy future and help end this disease. We invite everyone to join us by forming a team to raise awareness and funds for families facing Alzheimer’s today.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, which signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

To register for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk. The King County Walk begins at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Multiple community organizations will be on hand to provide resources and information to support caregivers and those living with the disease.

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease—a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 13 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Washington there are more than 126,000 people living with the disease and 254,000 unpaid family caregivers. Approximately 10.2% of Washingtonians older than 65 have Alzheimer’s. In King County, the prevalence of the disease is 10.8% of those age 65 and older.

In the last few years there has been real momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s, including new treatments that can slow the disease in its earliest stages, earlier detection, and growing evidence that healthy lifestyle habits, such as physical activity and eating right, help protect our brains. You can learn more about healthy habits at alz.org/healthyhabits.

For those unable to attend the King County Walk but have questions or need resources, the association has a 24-hour helpline staffed by master’s-level clinicians. The helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter helps people across Washington state facing Alzheimer’s and dementia with support groups, education, and local resources. With more than 126,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Washington, the chapter is dedicated to supporting those affected, advocating for their rights, and advancing critical research toward a cure. Their free 24/7 helpline is available year round at 800-272-3900.