Northern Nevada Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Loved ones, caregivers, and supporters of Nevadans living with Alzheimer’s disease will gather in Sparks on Saturday, Oct. 17, for a walk focused on raising money for families affected by the disease and supporting research to find a cure.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Northern Nevada Walk to End Alzheimer’s will have a fundraising goal of $350,000. The event will be held at Sparks Marina, where check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m.
The money raised through the walk helps the Alzheimer’s Association of Nevada provide information, programs, and services to people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families and caregivers. Those services are provided at no charge.
“The toll from Alzheimer’s disease is rising relentlessly, and will continue to do so until we find a cure,” said Lisa Phinney, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Nevada. “Every dollar we can raise for research to find a cure is an investment in our health and that of future generations.”
Nearly 55,000 Nevadans are among more than 7.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is the sixth-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without a prevention or cure.
The Alzheimer’s Association says its walks also help fund research. The organization is currently funding 1,220 research projects with more than $490 million across 59 countries on six continents.
In Nevada, more than 137,000 family members and friends serve as unpaid caregivers. They provided an estimated 226 million hours of support in 2025, valued at more than $5.6 billion.
Women make up two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and two-thirds of family caregivers. Nationally, deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 134% between 2000 and 2024, while deaths from heart disease declined nearly 4%.
The walk will take place at Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, in Sparks. People can register, volunteer, or make a donation through the Northern Nevada Walk to End Alzheimer’s website.
