Alzheimer's Disease is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is about to kick off walks all over our area.

Horan's Landing in Sleepy Hollow is the party spot and where you need to come Wednesday night to watch as the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge gets all lit up in purple in support of the five different Walks to End Alzheimer's happening across the Hudson Valley.

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating brain illness, and it's the most common form of dementia, and there is no cure. It's why Sean Lippin and so many others have gotten involved with the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. "My parents and my sister and I would go and visit my grandfather in the nursing home, and he was just completely unresponsive almost in a vegetative state," says Lippin, an Alzheimer's Walk volunteer.

With 6.5 million Americans living with this disease, just about everyone knows someone who is dealing with the illness.  And it's not just the patients who are affected - millions providing unpaid care for loved ones. People often have to quit their jobs, sell their homes and cars, and are forced to make terrible sacrifices. "I have a co-worker whose husband is falling into the abyss of Alzheimer's, and it is destroying her life, her family's life," adds Marion Anderson, team walk captain.

Bruce Crilly became involved with the Alzheimer's Association after his friend developed early onset Alzheimer's in his 50s. "I just saw firsthand how devastating this disease is, not just for him but for his family."

It ravages a person's brain, their memories, and eventually their ability to perform simple tasks such as eating or even walking.  

That's why the Alzheimer's Association wants people to understand support and information are key when dealing with this as researchers try to find a cure. The walks help get the word out as well as raise money. "We provide support groups, care consultations, and we have an 800 number, 800-272-3900, where you can talk to a master's level social worker at any time of the day or night, 24/7, 365," says David Sobel, of the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

In our area, the walks are in Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Putnam counties. They are all happening in October so there's still time to get involved, and a good place to start is the viewing party Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food, music, and and then, of course, the lighting of the bridge.

For more information, click here.