Consider this — every 70 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and Alzheimer’s now is listed as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

To help the fight against Alzheimer’s, generous individuals are being asked to walk in support of the fight at the 2009 Portsmouth Memory Walk Sept. 19, at Market Square, Portsmouth. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.; the walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Jamie Williams, activities coordinator at USSA, Inc. Adult Day Center and chairperson of the Portsmouth Memory Walk committee, said anyone considering participating can come to the center, 121 Market St., Portsmouth, and pick up envelopes, donation cans or team captain packets which contain donation sheets.

Last year’s Portsmouth Memory Walk raised $21,000 and attracted nearly 150 participants.

Williams said no team is too small.

“Some teams include just two people, to walk and represent a loved one,” she said. “It’s a good day and a good time for the community to come out and support a good cause.”

Money raised at the event will directly fund programs and services of the Southeastern Ohio branch office of the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati, which serves families in Scioto, Jackson, Lawrence, Vinton and Gallia counties. Serving as the primary national fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, Memory Walk is an annual event that brings those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, family members and the community together in a show of remembrance and support.

“Alzheimer’s disease touches many families in our area,” said Marcy Hawkins, special events coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati.

“Memory Walk is a way for the community to come together in support of these families and the services and programs we provide. Memory Walk really shows that small steps can go a long way in fighting Alzheimer’s disease.”

Holiday Inn Express is serving as gold sponsor of this year’s walk. Other event sponsors include Best Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Hill View Retirement Community, Hempstead Manor, Ohio Valley Home Health Inc., Glockner Enterprises, Holzer Clinic, Tim Hortons and United Scioto Senior Activities.

Nearly 3,500 people participated in the chapter’s five area Memory Walks last year, raising about $300,000 to support the chapter’s local programs and services and to fund national Alzheimer research.

For more information, call Williams at (740) 354-3661. You can also register online by visiting the chapter Web site at www.alz.org/cincinnati.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.