VIDEO: Walpole Walks to End Alzheimer's

Over 1,000 people gathered at Bird Middle School Saturday to take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

One of those people was Rhonda Steenbruggen, of Norton, who was at the walk in support of her son, Dustin, who died from younger-onset Alzheimer's in January. She stood beside a large photo of her son - taken at the Walk in 2010 - which served as a tribute to Dustin during the event.

"He was 39 in January when he passed away of younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. We estimate that the disease probably started late-20's, early 30's for him," she said. "It took three years for him to get a diagnosis because no one looks for younger-onset when there's no family history."

"We're here today and we're going to keep on walking," Steenbruggen said.

The 3.5 mile walk in Walpole was part of the nation’s largest effort to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The event is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and 11 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

American Idol semifinalist Ayla Brown performed before the walk began. Brown's parents, Senator Scott Brown and wife, Gail Huff, former WCVB Channel 5 news reporter, were in attendance as well.