PHOTOS: Hundreds hoping for a cure at Walk to End Alzheimer’s

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - It’s been just one month since Lindsey Joyner’s mother died from Alzheimer’s disease.

She lived with the condition for 11 years, Joyner said. She’s glad her mother is in a better place now, but watching her decline was difficult.

“It’s like we lost her before we lost her,” Joyner said. “I don’t want to see anybody go through this disease.”

That’s why Joyner joined hundreds of others at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday at The Battery Atlanta. Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, the walk is held in more than 600 communities nationwide and is the world’s largest fundraiser supporting Alzheimer’s research and care.

Participants donned handmade flowers, all representing their connection to the disease — whether as a caregiver, an ally, someone who lost a loved one to the disease or somebody with hope for a cure.

Leslie Tripp Holland, marketing and communications director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia, said it’s important to get screened for Alzheimer’s and watch out for early symptoms.

“We’re seeing it so much younger,” Holland, who lost her father to Alzheimer’s disease when he was 68, said. “If we can age healthier, our brain is better off as well.”

So far, the walk has raised more than $492,000 of its $710,000 goal. You can donate here.

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