VALDOSTA — Alzheimer’s Association supporters gathered at the Valdosta Middle School track Saturday morning to participate in the organization’s annual Memory Walk.

“The walk is our signature fundraiser and it is done across the nation,” said Nancy Goode, program and services director for Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest Georgia. “The money we raise goes toward research, programs and services because we don’t charge for any of the services we provide. Through the walk, we also want to raise awareness that Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that affects someone every 70 seconds.”

Goode said that the organization raised approximately $1,800 at Saturday’s event and had a turnout of about 150 participants. The money will benefit the 35 counties that the Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest Georgia serves.

Since 1989, the Memory Walk has raised more than $260 million to help those battling Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s disease is named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s affects as many as 5.3 million Americans and 35 million individuals worldwide. It affects over 200,000 people in Georgia alone.

The disease destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Advancing age is the number one risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. One out of eight people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease, and almost one out of every two people over the age of 85. The probability of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nearly doubles every five years after age 65.

People who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than those with no family history of Alzheimer’s. If more than one close relative has been affected, the risk increases.

Scientists have identified several lifestyle factors that can influence a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A connection has been found between serious head injury and future development of Alzheimer’s, so those who practice safety measures such as wearing seat belts and not engaging in activities where there is a high risk of falling are at an advantage.

Evidence is also mounting for the promotion of exercise and a healthy diet to reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, staying socially active, and engaging in intellectually stimulating activities have also been shown to have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.