Supporters in North Platte have taken to the streets to help support Alzheimer's research.

162 people participated Sunday in the first Hike to the Spike fundraiser.

Walkers and runners traveled 2 1/2 miles from North Platte's Linden Estates neighborhood to the city's Golden Spike Tower and visitor's center, a 120-foot-tall tower that overlooks the Union Pacific rail yard at North Platte -- believed to be the world's largest rail yard.

Organizers report the event raised $18,000 to combat Alzheimer's.

An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's or similar dementias. It is the sixth-leading killer. There is no cure; treatments only temporarily ease some symptoms.