National public awareness campaign encourages prioritization of brain health, access to free brain health prescreenings, and changing the conversation around Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CaringKind, your trusted partner for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their care partners, announced today the launch of "Know Your Brain: Walk With Me," a national public awareness campaign developed in collaboration with WABC-TV and led by veteran "Eyewitness News" anchor Bill Ritter, who recently shared his Alzheimer's diagnosis publicly.
The campaign encourages people to prioritize brain health, seek earlier evaluation when concerns arise, learn the steps they can take to help reduce their risk of dementia, and ensure that every individual and family knows there is a trusted place to turn for guidance, education, and support.
Over the past weeks and throughout the coming months, the beloved and brave Bill Ritter and ABC7 have joined CaringKind in bringing brain health into everyday conversations through a series of on-air stories, community events, educational resources, and public awareness initiatives designed to reduce stigma, empower families, and inspire action.
The watershed moment of the campaign will happen on Saturday, Oct. 17, at CaringKind's 38th Annual Alzheimer's Walk & Brain Health Day in Central Park, where thousands of participants will come together to walk, learn, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier future for all. Registration and fundraising information can be found HERE.
As one of the most significant components of this year's campaign, Brain Health Day will offer attendees free brain health prescreenings to help individuals better understand their cognitive health and determine whether additional evaluation may be appropriate. The screenings are intended to encourage proactive conversations with healthcare providers, increase awareness of brain health, and help people take meaningful action earlier. Participants will also have opportunities to learn about the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia and practical lifestyle choices that may help reduce their risk and support long-term brain health.
"I'm very excited for Brain Health Day and this entire campaign in partnership with the amazing people at CaringKind. When I shared my diagnosis, I made a commitment to use my voice for something bigger than myself," said Bill Ritter. "I want people to know that brain health deserves our attention long before symptoms appear. Get screened. Learn what you can do today to help reduce your risk. Have the conversations that matter. And let's make sure the progress we're seeing in research and treatment reaches every family, not just those who already have access. If we can help people take action earlier and ensure more people receive the care and support they deserve, then we'll have made a real difference." He continued, "I'm looking forward to this important day and humbled to lead my own team for the walk named Onward with Bill."
"At CaringKind, we believe knowledge gives people choices," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "Brain health deserves the same attention we give every other aspect of our health. Through this campaign, Bill Ritter, ABC7 and CaringKind are encouraging people to start the conversation earlier, take steps to support long-term brain health, and know there is a trusted place to turn if questions or concerns arise. We are honored to have Bill leading this important movement."
Segments that have already aired on ABC7 surrounding Alzheimer's can be found HERE.
CaringKind and Bill Ritter will also be participating in a 92Y event about Alzheimer's awareness on September 30; tickets are available HERE.
Recognizing that brain health is a national issue, CaringKind will also offer a national livestream, allowing individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters from across the country to participate in Brain Health Day programming, hear from leading experts and special guests, and join the movement regardless of where they live. Whether participating in Central Park or online, the campaign invites everyone to learn more about brain health, support families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and take the next step together.
Funds raised through CaringKind's Alzheimer's Walk & Brain Health Day support the organization's free programs and services, including dementia care consultations, support groups, educational programs, early-stage engagement, caregiver support, and multilingual resources that help individuals and families navigate Alzheimer's disease and related dementias from diagnosis through end of life.
Registration for CaringKind's 38th Annual Alzheimer's Walk & Brain Health Day, Brain Health Day, and the national livestream is free and open to the public.
For more information or to register, visit CKWalk.org.
About CaringKind
CaringKind is your trusted partner your trusted partner in Alzheimer's and dementia care, from diagnosis through end of life. Through free care consultations, education, support groups, early-stage engagement, community programs, and caregiver resources, CaringKind empowers individuals and families with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need so that no one has to face dementia alone. Visit wearecaringkind.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Courtney Dawson | Chief Marketing Officer, CaringKind
[email protected] | 646-744-2932
Kristen Osborne | Executive Director of Communications, WABC
[email protected] | 646-761-6890
SOURCE CaringKind
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