BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It's one of the leading causes of death in Kern County and Thursday night you have a chance to help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's doesn't take place until October but Thursday night the Alzheimer's Association will host a kickoff event at the Padre Hotel.

The kickoff is geared toward educating people on the impact of the disease and will provide more information on the Walk to End Alzheimer's which will take place on October 19th at the Park at Riverwalk.

The kickoff at the Padre begins at 6 p.m.