BILLINGS — About 21,000 people live with Alzheimer's Disease and about 50,000 family and friends take care of them.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday provided support for everyone dealing with the illness.
The walk returned to ZooMontana, after weather forced it indoors to Rimrock Mall last year.
An estimated 1,400 participated in the walk.
This year's walk raised nearly $200,000, a record amount.
"Probably in the top 200 biggest walks in the nation," said Lynn Mullowney Cabrera, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association. "This is the biggest walk that Montana has ever seen."
Awareness is important and has helped the walk grow, according to Mullowney Cabrera.
"People are learning that Alzheimer's and related Dementia is not something that people need to deal with alone," she said. "They shouldn't try to to deal with it alone. It's too challenging. It's too demanding. The Alzheimer's Association is here to provide care and support for families and individuals. We're going to be able to extend the reach of our services and support to the growing number in need."
There are six Alzheimer's Walks in the state throughout the year, with one next weekend in Missoula.
