Participants prepare to make strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s

7 hours ago

Nyana Whitelaw,

JACKSON, Tenn. — One annual fundraiser is set to return to West Tennessee this weekend.

Grab your tennis shoes — the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is returning to the Hub City.

This event is the premiere fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight against all types of dementia.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s here in Jackson really brings that community together and allows caregivers to understand, for example, that they’re not alone, that there’s support out there for them,” said Don Schwartz, manager of the West Tennessee walk.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. In 2025, this disease and other dementias are expected to cost the nation $384 million.

“There is a higher prevalence in West Tennessee,” Schwartz said. “And certainly, there’s a need for us to get the education out there, the awareness out there to let people know that there is support out there, certainly, within our rural communities as well as surrounding Jackson.”

The proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards research and support for patients and their caregivers.

“Certainly when somebody comes to the walk, or they donate to the walk, or they fundraise for the walk, you know, that money does go to support our research to find treatments, certainly, to help people with the disease currently, but look forward to maybe a day where we are able to have survivors,” Schwartz said.

Alzheimer's

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at the Rockabillys Stadium. Registration begins at 8 in the morning.

“By signing up, even if you’re not able to come, you’re still showing your support and you’re still letting, you know, the rest of the state know that Jackson and West TN is here to play and definitely is concerned about Alzheimer’s and wants to do everything it can to help fight the fight,” said Schwartz.

Alzheimer's