MARSHALL — Dementia is a condition with a big impact.

“Everyone has been affected in some way,” said Jane Nelson Como, coordinator of the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (MADAN).

Every 65 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops dementia, she said. That means many area residents likely know family members, friends or neighbors who either have dementia or are caring for someone with dementia.

“We want to make sure nobody walks alone on their journey,” Nelson Como said.

That’s the spirit behind the annual Walk for Memories event, which will be held Tuesday at the at the Marshall Area YMCA.

Members of the public are encouraged to wear purple and walk to honor families affected by dementia. An honorary walk for families affected by dementia will be at 6 p.m.

In addition to the walk, there’s a lot going on at the event, Nelson Como said.

“We’ve added some things,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

One of the new additions to the program will be a petting zoo on the lawn outside the YMCA.

Nelson Como said there will be “swag bags” given out to the first 200 people at the event. As at past years’ walks, there will also be food, vendor booths, music, giveaways and prize drawings.

Free will donations will be accepted at the Walk, Nelson Como said. Donations will go to the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network.

Besides showing support for people living with dementia, a big part of the Walk for Memories is sharing information about resources for families and caregivers, Nelson Como said.

“There’s help out there for caregivers taking care of people with dementia,” she said. “We’re doing what we can to help anybody out there going through something like this.”

Nelson Como said it has been positive to see the Walk for Memories event in Marshall grow.

“I think the word is getting out,” she said.

Area residents have also been encouraged to talk about their struggles with dementia, and to reach out for help.

“People understand it’s not something to keep secret,” she said.

The Walk for Memories will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the YMCA.