On September 21st, 2025, a walk for Alzheimer’s was held in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Hundreds of individuals from all around the Northeast Kingdom joined together to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia, as well as raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. Clarissa Kendall explained, “I really hope there is a cure one day and so I wanted to support the organization. I think the walk is a great idea. It brings people together who have either lost a loved one, who is caring for someone with the disease, or who has the disease themselves.”

What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a progressive type of dementia that destroys memory and other important mental functions. In Vermont, Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death, and nearly 13,000 Vermonters live with the disease. 

The walk was organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter. The Alzheimer’s Association’s goal is to offer support for anyone facing Alzheimer’s, advancing critical research, and advocating for the needs and rights of those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

This walk was very impactful for many families across the North Country. Around 400 people attended the event to raise awareness, money, and share their stories of family members lost to dementia. Steve Elliott, a participant, explained that he was in attendance at the walk “to honor the memory of my wife Barbara Elliott.” Elliott was a beloved elementary school teacher at Blue Mountain for 25 years, and she sadly passed away from Alzheimer’s this past December.

Another participant, Clarissa Kendall, shared, “Alzheimer’s can be a disease that makes you feel so alone. Coming together and hearing other people’s stories about how it has affected their lives can be really helpful for people who have had it impact their lives.”

While details for upcoming walks for Alzheimer’s have not been announced, many are excited for future ones, including Casey Kendall, a first-time member of the walk. She explained, “this is such an amazing opportunity to raise awareness for a great cause. It was extra special to me because I was in attendance for my grandmother, Barbara Elliott. I will be back supporting the cause next year for sure.”

If you would like to donate to raise money for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.