The facts of Alzheimer’s are devastating. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. More than 16 million Americans are providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, sacrificing their own physical, emotional and financial health to do so.

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing quickly. One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. Women, African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to get the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association says.

Alzheimer’s disease is the only top 10 cause of death in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

But as terrible as the facts are, it’s even more devastating to watch the disease progress in someone you love. It steals not only their memory but also their personality, their independence and finally their life. Caretakers and other family members are left to watch helplessly as this horrifying disease marches on.

The Suffolk News-Herald has been sharing the stories of family members, caretakers and others involved in Alzheimer’s Care for about a month and a half now, leading up to the Western Tidewater Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place on Sept. 15.

Mary Powell hasn’t dealt with Alzheimer’s in her family, but as director of operations at Home Sweet Home Care, she has seen the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s.

Frances Flick has experienced her grandmother, her mother-in-law and her long-lost brother having Alzheimer’s, and each of them took their toll on her.

Alice Beaton’s father died of Alzheimer’s, and her entire family participates in the walk.

Lin Harbold lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, and she has now taken on some leadership roles with the walk.

Denise Brown started participating in the walk when she started working at the Lake Prince Woods retirement community and saw the toll it takes on the older generation.

Each of these people has been generous enough to share their story with us these last few weeks, and we hope you will consider going out to the Western Tidewater Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming up next month. Every participant is another step closer to prevention or a cure for this horrible disease.

The participants of the walk have a goal of $85,800 and are about a third of the way there. If Alzheimer’s is a cause that’s meaningful to you, get out there and join them. Visit alz.org for more information.