More than 240 walkers raised $33,683 in the 5th annual Lower Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday at Lake Frank Jackson in Opp.

Wes Laird founded the walk five years ago in honor of his mother and grandmother, both of whom suffered from the disease. His mother has had the disease for more than 14 years; his grandmother, who died earlier this year, for about seven years.

Laird said this year’s fundraising total exceeded the goal by more than $15,000.

There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $236 billion in 2016, increasing to $1.1 trillion by mid-century.

It is estimated there are 89,000 people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s in Alabama.