Alzheimer's and Dementia Wandering and Getting Lost

By Alzheimer's Association

Anyone who has memory problems and is able to walk is at risk for wandering and getting lost. A person with Alzheimer's or dementia even in the early stages of the disease may not remember his or her name or address and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs

Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual

Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work

Tries or wants to go home, even when at home

Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements

Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room

Asks the whereabouts of current or past friends and family

Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (e.g., moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)

Appears lost in a new or changed environment

The stress experienced by families and caregivers when a memory-impaired person wanders and becomes lost is significant. It's critical to plan ahead for this emergency.

Keep a list phone numbers of people to call for help.

Ask neighbors, friends and family to call if they see the person alone.

Keep a recent, close-up photo and updated medical information on hand to give to police.

Know dangerous areas in your neighborhood, such as bodies of water, dense foliage, tunnels, and bus stops.

Is the individual right or left-handed? Wandering generally follows the direction of the dominant hand.

Keep a list of places where the person may wander, including past jobs, former homes, places of worship or a restaurant.

Enroll them in MedicAlert+ Alzheimer's Association Safe Return.

Begin search-and-rescue efforts immediately. Ninety-four percent of people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared. Call “911” and report that a person with Alzheimer's or dementia a vulnerable adult is missing. A missing person report should be filed and the police will begin to search for the individual.

In addition, a report should be filed with MedicAlert+ Alzheimer's Association Safe Return at 1.800.625.3780.

First responders are trained to check with this program when they locate a missing person with dementia. You do not need to be enrolled in order to file a missing person report. Learn more at www.alz.org/safereturn.