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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Approximately 85,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in South Carolina.

Alzheimer’s Disease is diagnosed in one out of eight people above the age of sixty-five, however, there are cases where it can occur much earlier in life. It’s estimated the disease strikes nearly half of those over age eighty-five.

Alzheimer's causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.  There are no known direct links or way to project who Alzheimer’s Disease will affect, however there are some risk factors that may play a part in the onset of the affliction.

As part of their ongoing battle to find causes and a cure, The Alzheimer’s Association in South Carolina is kicking off their annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s Tuesday evening at Agape Senior in West Columbia. 

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature event and brings together family, friends, caregivers and concerned community members, that since 1989, has raised more than three hundred million dollars.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 15^th, 2011, with the kick off party Tuesday at Agape Senior,  2705 Leaphart Road in West Columbia.  For more information, you can email Lynne Moore or call 803.791.3430

(Story courtesy of Good Day Columbia’s Tyler Ryan)