Dozens of Red Deerians walked through Bower Ponds to raise awareness for people affected by dementia.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's was held Saturday. The Red Deer walk was one of several held across the province over the weekend.
"This is the largest fundraiser we run," said Bryce Doherty, special events co-ordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Canada's Alberta and Northwest Territories region.
"All funds raised through this walk go directly into funds and services. It's our way to give back directly to the community and support all of our local regions.
"All of the society's services are free. We want to raise awareness for what we do, how we can support people so they know they aren't alone in their journey and that there's somewhere for them to reach out to. We have many different programs by people touched by dementia."
Each year, the walk typically raises about $200,000 within the Alberta and Northwest Territories region.
"There's a stigma that can be attached (to dementia). You get through stigma with information," he said.
"We also want to create dementia-friendly communities. Even if someone doesn't directly have somebody with dementia in their life, we hope to see them have enough awareness if they encounter someone who does, they'll be informed on how to be more dementia-friendly."
In Canada, more than 650,000 people have dementia – they live with Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, young onset dementia, or one of many other combinations or types, as there are over 50 different diseases or conditions that can cause dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada recently released its latest landmark study. That study suggests over the next 30 years, the number of people living with dementia in Canada will grow by 187 per cent.
With the report, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is aiming to achieve the following: increasing awareness of the diversity of who develops dementia in Canada, improving knowledge, advocating for better dementia care, creating action, and pushing for change.
The whole report can be read on the Alzheimer Society of Canada's website.