In the time that it takes to read the first few paragraphs of this column, someone in the U.S. will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

One person in the U.S. develops the illness every 65 seconds, according to a 2019 report by The Alzheimer’s Association.

The report also indicated that just over half of those aged 65 and older who responded to a survey noticed changes in their cognitive abilities.

In the Sept. 20 edition of The Farmville Herald we highlighted Farmville’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The event is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and three locations in our region.

This year’s event will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, at Longwood’s Lancaster Hall, 201 High St., and Edward Jones Investments is helping fund the fight.

“Edward Jones, my firm,” said Financial Adviser Kerby Moore, “is the National Presenting Sponsor, so we give millions and millions of dollars to this every year. One of the big reasons is the majority of our clients are older and Alzheimer’s affects so many people.”

This is Moore’s fourth year taking part in the walk and it has a special meaning.

“Both my mom and my dad had horrible dementia. It’s a horrible way to go. Now, I’m not sure what my mom had. Nobody quite figured that out, but my dad was absolutely 100 percent Alzheimer’s, no doubt about it,” he said. “Here’s the good news,” he explained. “The Alzheimer’s Association actually believes that the first person to be cured from Alzheimer’s is probably out there. They’re making wonderful strides in research and the first person to be cured from it is probably alive today. Not 50 years from now. They’re probably walking around now, and that’s good news.”

We commend Edward Jones Investments, Moore and all the participants for stepping up and helping to find a cure for this disease.

Additional Alzheimer’s information and support can be found by calling the help line at (844) 440-6600.

CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT is a staff reporter for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Crystal.Vandegrift@FarmvilleHerald.com.