Strategies for Locating a Missing Person with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease presents a unique challenge for caregivers, particularly when a loved one with the condition wanders away from home. This article provides a detailed guide on the steps families can take to locate a missing person with Alzheimer's who has wandered away, along with practical tips and real-life examples to help caregivers and families navigate this difficult situation.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Wandering Behavior

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often exhibit wandering behavior. They may follow established routines or remember favorite places or objects from the past. Common areas where you might find a person with Alzheimer's who has wandered include nearby zoos, parks, or even following groups of people. It's important to recognize that wandering is a symptom of the disease and not intentional, as the affected individual may be confused and unable to recall their location.

Initial Steps: Immediate Response and Safety

The first priority when a person with Alzheimer's disease wanders away is to ensure their safety.

Initiate a Quick Search: Conduct a thorough search in the immediate vicinity, including the person's home, yard, and nearby areas. Notify Local Authorities: If the person isn't located in the initial search, contact the police immediately. Provide detailed information about the person, including a recent photo, their medical condition, and any identifying marks or gear they might be wearing (e.g., glasses, hat, or walking cane). Use Community Resources: Alert local neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to be on the lookout for the missing person. Share the person's photo and basic information on social media or community boards.

Search Tools and Tactics

Once the initial steps have been taken, more comprehensive measures can be employed to locate the missing person.

Drones and Helicopter Search: Many police departments have helicopters equipped with night vision and thermal cameras (FLIR) that can help locate individuals in various conditions. These resources can be especially useful during night searches or in areas with dense foliage or obstacles.
Community Notification: Inform neighboring communities about the missing person and request their cooperation, especially in areas with parks or other popular gathering spots. Points of Interest: Focus on areas that the person might frequently visit or remember from the past. For example, a nearby zoo, park, or familiar street they used to live on.

Preventative Measures

Although you can take steps to locate a missing person, it's also crucial to prevent such situations from happening in the first place.

ID Tags: Utilize identifying tags or medical alert bracelets that contain important information about the individual, such as their name, address, phone numbers, and any medical conditions. These can be found in drug stores or online. Communication Plan: Keep contact information readily available. Enclose several emergency phone numbers in the pocket of jackets, pants, or in a prominently placed area of the person's vision. Living Arrangements: Consider professional support options if you are unable to provide 24/7 supervision. Hiring a live-in aide or placing the individual in a dementia facility can provide a safer environment and reduce the risk of wandering. It is a difficult but necessary decision if the person's safety is compromised at home.

Real-Life Example

I once encountered a senior citizen who had wandered away from his home with an injured hand and appeared disoriented. My wife found a note in his wallet indicating he had dementia and provided three phone numbers to contact. We quickly reached out to his family, who informed us that he lived about a mile away. We brought him back to his home safely. A necklace or bracelet with the same information would have been helpful in this situation, as would having a larger network of people alerted to his condition.

Another example involved a family member with frontotemporal dementia who became delusional and planned to attend a funeral for a person who was still alive. She became convinced that her best friend had died and needed to inform others, despite the friend being far away. The situation escalated, and she attempted to leave the house by running down the main street in sub-freezing temperatures. We called the police, who quickly located and withdrew her from dangerous traffic conditions.

After consulting with her neurologist, my family decided to place her in a 24/7 dementia care facility. It was a tough decision to make, especially when it went against her wishes, but it provided the necessary 24-hour care to ensure her safety. My mother eventually adapted to the facility and her time there turned out to be much more comfortable for her, leading to a peaceful and extended final chapter of her life.

By taking proactive steps and maintaining open communication, families can better handle the challenges of Alzheimer's wandering. Remember that your loved one's well-being is of utmost importance, and seeking professional support when needed can make a significant difference.