New York – October 14, 2026 -- Free brain health pre-screenings, hearing, vision and blood pressure checks, and a walk through Central Park are on offer Saturday, October 17, at the 38th Annual CaringKind Alzheimer's Walk and Brain Health Day. The event takes place at the Naumburg Bandshell. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., the opening ceremony follows at 10:30 a.m., and participation is free, either in the park or virtually.
Bill Ritter, who has Alzheimer's, helps lead the campaign
ABC and Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter has helped emcee the walk for 28 years. He is now living with the disease and helping lead CaringKind's "Know Your Brain. Walk With Me." campaign, which CaringKind created with launch support from ABC7NY. "Now, it is me who has Alzheimer's," Ritter said.
David Hyde Pierce and ABC7NY's Mike Marza will emcee the event, which honors Ritter and Jed Levine.
A free pre-screening tent puts brain checks in the park
CaringKind staff and volunteers from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing will help visitors access the BrainGuide pre-screening tool, powered by UsAgainstAlzheimer's. Brain health coaches from BetterBrain will help people start a personalized brain health plan. Dr. Marc Rothman of Lizzy Care will be nearby for anyone who wants to talk with a physician about next steps.
A pre-screening does not provide a diagnosis or replace medical evaluation. Everything in the tent is free. People who cannot attend can complete the brain check and start their plan through CaringKind's Know Your Brain page.
Health checks, food and a lounge for people with memory loss fill the park
Besides walking, participants can have their hearing, vision, gait and blood pressure checked and try hands-on activities.
- Lilly's tent will feature Planet Harvest boxes of fresh foods.
- Eisai's Healthy Well Being Station will offer produce and nutrition tips highlighting Magnolia Meals at Home®.
- Axsome will offer gentle stretching and aromatherapy.
- RiverSpring Living will engage the five senses.
- The 80th Street Residence Enhanced Memory Care will invite participants to make lavender sachets.
People living with memory loss can meet peers in the Dream Lounge, inspired by CaringKind's Early-Stage Center and supported by The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights and Duet Care at Home.
The campaign also runs in Times Square and on TV
Dream Outdoor's TSX billboard in Times Square carries the campaign. ABC7NY plans an October 15 special on Alzheimer's and brain health ahead of Walk Day.
Jed Levine is honored for service since 1990
Levine, CaringKind's President Emeritus and Director of External Relations, helped pioneer an early-stage support group that grew into the Weinberg Early-Stage Center. He also developed outreach to diverse communities across New York City.
Funds raised support CaringKind's free, year-round care consultations, support groups, education workshops, early-stage and engagement programs, and care partner resources. The free, confidential Helpline for memory concerns and dementia support is 646-744-2900.