Key Takeaways:
– Holidays can cause stress and confusion for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, leading to the risk of wandering.
– Approximately 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day, with prompt alerting of authorities pivotal to their safe return.
– Warning signs may indicate the potential for a person with dementia to wander.
– Search and rescue organizations often rely on dogs for tracking missing persons.
– Nearly 7 million U.S. residents aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, with wandering a significant problem.
The Dark Side of Holiday Cheer
Holidays are a time of joy and reunions, but for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, this period can instigate a great deal of stress and disorientation. This anxiety can possibly lead them into dangerous situations, including wandering away from their familiar environment.
The Challenges of Change
According to Kim Franklin, a senior manager at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, holiday periods present the biggest challenge for those living with dementia. A break in regular schedules, visiting loved ones, and heightened activity can lead to confusion and restlessness. Subsequently, many dementia patients might wander off in an attempt to escape from the chaotic surroundings they find hard to understand.
The Importance of Prompt Reporting
A startling report from the Alzheimer’s Association notes that about 72% of dementia patients who wander are discovered alive by the following day. The key to their safe return lies in immediate notification of their disappearance to authorities. As the hours pass, the chance of finding the missing person alive diminishes.
The Alarming Frequency of Alzheimer’s Related Calls
Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery (GESAR), a volunteer-led organization that assists in locating missing individuals, reported that 60-70% of the calls they received in the past year were concerning people with Alzheimer’s disease. GESAR plays an integral role in the community, aiding in the search and recovery of wandering dementia patients, lost children, and individuals caught in major disasters.
Watchful Signs of Potential Wanderers
Before a person with Alzheimer’s begins to wander, there might be several noticeable warnings. For instance, if they arrive late from their regular walk, show a desire to fulfill past obligations like going to work, or express a need to go home when they’re already there, it may indicate a risk of wandering. Six in 10 individuals with dementia are likely to wander during their illness.
The Rescue Tool with a Wagging Tail
Recently, GESAR introduced an extraordinary addition to their search and rescue team – Maverick, an eight-month-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever. In training to be a search and rescue dog, Maverick will help locate wandering dementia patients using his strong scent detection skills. Moreover, Maverick’s friendly and non-threatening demeanor makes him an asset in cases involving children and individuals with dementia.
The Role of Technology in Search and Rescue
In addition to canine resources, searchers often rely on technology. The utilization of drones, location-tracking devices on cars, or other trackable devices such as phones can aid significantly in the recovery of a missing person.
The Silent Epidemic of Wandering
Wandering is a silent and often overlooked risk associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. With around 7 million US residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, and over 188,000 Georgians in this age group diagnosed with the disease, the issue requires more awareness. As much as half the calls for missing persons to local sheriff’s offices involve the elderly or someone with disabilities.
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia who suddenly disappears, immediate actions to take should include calling 911, making a recent photograph available to first responders, providing an article of clothing to give scent to search dogs, and sharing previous interests or habits of the missing person. This information could be invaluable in aiding searchers to locate and safely return your loved one home.
The holiday season, for all its charm and cheer, can lead to unforeseen challenges for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Education and awareness about wandering risk could be the first step towards protecting our elders during this festive time and beyond. Awareness today could save a life tomorrow.