Oct. 18: Walk4ALZ 2025 Takes Over Balboa Park to Raise Funds for the 100,000 San Diegans Living with Dementia

Alzheimer’s San Diego’s largest annual fundraiser, Walk4ALZ, returns to Balboa Park on Saturday, Oct. 18 starting at 8 a.m. More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in the 2.75-mile walk to raise money and awareness for San Diegans living with dementia. Every dollar raised stays within San Diego County.

Walk4ALZ registration is free. Participants are encouraged to sign up as a team to increase the size of their fundraising. After registering, walkers will have their own profile or a team profile that people can donate to. Walkers can encourage donations through word-of mouth, newsletters, or by donating themselves.

Raising awareness through Walk4ALZ will help aging San Diegans and their families recognize potential risk factors and notify their medical providers more quickly. Though Alzheimer’s is currently incurable, early detection can have significant impacts on treatment options, caregiver education, and legal and financial concerns.

“Oftentimes, the stigma associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s deters people from seeking treatment or discussing their experiences openly. Walk4ALZ gives our community the opportunity to both raise funds and destigmatize the disease” says Eugenia L. Welch, president and CEO of Alzheimer’s San Diego. “Every dollar we raise at Walk4ALZ goes directly back into the San Diego community, providing resources, support, and information for caregivers and patients.

Registration for Walk4ALZ is open now at alzsd.org/walk. Though the walk is taking place at Balboa Park, interested participants outside of San Diego can sign up and simply go for a walk, anytime, anywhere, on the weekend of the walk. Those who attend the walk at Balboa Park can park for free at any parking lot along Park Boulevard. The Walk4ALZ festival area opens at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 18, followed by the opening ceremony at 7:45 a.m. before the walk starts at 8 a.m.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Impact More Than 100,000 San Diegans
As of 2023, there are an estimated 759,388 San Diegans over the age of 60, accounting for nearly a quarter of the population. With symptoms of Alzheimer’s and signs of dementia usually appearing after the age of 60, this makes Alzheimer’s awareness and treatment particularly important for the San Diego community.

In fact, Alzheimer’s was the fifth leading cause of death in San Diego County in 2023, according to a report compiled by the County of San Diego. Many San Diegans 60 and older may not even realize potential risk factors that lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia, including poor nutrition, reduced physical activity, and hearing loss. Due in part to these unmitigated risk factors, the number of affected San Diegans is expected to grow drastically by 2050.

In addition to the 100,000 people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are an estimated over 200,000 caregivers in San Diego helping those with the disease. The majority of these caregivers are not paid and are friends or family of those impacted. These caregivers are often juggling their own personal responsibilities and careers with the care for their loved ones, typically lacking the resources and support to provide quality care. Funds raised from Walk4ALZ will partially go toward supporting these caregivers through one-on-one support, educational classes, and support groups.

Alzheimer’s San Diego Provides Local Support Programs, Information
In addition to fundraising events like Walk4ALZ, Alzheimer’s San Diego has spent nearly a decade helping San Diegans living with the disease through a variety of support programs, free resources, and community events. In 2024, Alzheimer’s San Diego provided 483 hours of friendly social calls to solo agers, hosted 692 supportive group meetings in-person and virtually, and raised more than $616,000 for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as their caregivers.

“For nearly 10 years, Alzheimer’s San Diego has provided innovative and impactful support programs and resources, led by local staff and volunteers, at no charge,” says Welch. “We support people living with dementia and family caregivers wherever they are in their journey. By calling Alzheimer’s San Diego, you will hear a friendly voice who can get you the right information for your needs.”

Alzheimer’s San Diego provides personalized dementia support through Dementia Care Coaches, who answer any questions and help develop a plan for individuals and their caregivers to navigate the future.

Alzheimer’s San Diego also hosts a variety of educational classes and workshops for the community. Whether you’re a professional caregiver, someone with an aging loved one, or entering the golden years of your life, Alzheimer’s San Diego has a class for you to learn about all aspects of cognitive decline, caregiving, and more. Classes are hosted in-person or virtually.

All of Alzheimer’s San Diego's programs are free, including social activities, family consultations, and support groups. These programs are offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring language is never a barrier to receiving help. It is because of fundraising efforts like Walk4ALZ that Alzheimer’s San Diego is able to continue offering so many transformative, free resources. To register for Walk4ALZ or donate to a participating walker, visit alzsd.org/walk.

About Alzheimer’s San Diego
Alzheimer’s San Diego is a local and independent nonprofit, not affiliated with a national organization or association, dedicated to providing support, education, advocacy, and social connection for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alzheimer's San Diego strives to enhance the quality of life of all those impacted by these conditions in San Diego County. For more information, visit alzsd.org or call (858) 492-4400.