(Radio Iowa) – Thousands of Iowans will soon be taking short walks to remember the long lives of their loved ones who’ve been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Lauren Livingston, spokeswoman for the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says there are Walks to End Alzheimer’s planned in 19 Iowa communities over the next several weeks.

It’s estimated there are 66-thousand Iowans living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and another 98-thousand Iowans are their caregivers. The walks are a time for all parties to come together, support each other, and to raise awareness — and funds.

Medical advances in recent months have offered much encouragement for people in the early stages of dementia. The treatments are proving effective at slowing the progress of Alzheimer’s, but a cure is still elusive.

The first walk in Iowa this fall is scheduled for Mason City on September 10th, with more to follow in: Ottumwa, Panora, Decorah, Harlan, Cedar Falls, Clinton, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, Spencer, Muscatine, Des Moines, Sioux City, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, the Quad Cities, Ames, Burlington and Cedar Rapids.

Learn more and register for an event near you at: alz.org/iowawalks.