What to Do When a Person with Alzheimer’s Goes Missing

When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, one of the biggest fears is that they might get lost or go missing. This can happen even if you think they’re safe at home and accompanied. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and know what to do, step by step, if it happens.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain. It gradually causes memory loss and makes it difficult to think, remember, or recognize places and people. It can also lead to changes in behavior and disorientation. For example, someone with Alzheimer’s might go out for a walk like they used to, but do not know how to get back home.

Do Other Types of Dementia Also Cause Disorientation?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but there are others, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia. In many cases, these also cause disorientation, memory loss, and confusion, resulting in the person wandering off or getting lost. For that reason, the recommendations provided here also apply if you care for someone with another type of dementia.

Why Do They Leave Without Warning?

Often, people with Alzheimer’s are not trying to run away or do anything wrong. They may be trying to find a family member who no longer lives with them, going to work even if they’re retired, or simply stepping out to “go for a walk.” The problem is that they can get lost, do not know how to get back, or be unable to ask for help. This behavior is called wandering, and it’s common in people with Alzheimer’s.

What to Do if They Go Missing

1. Stay calm.
   We know it’s hard, but panicking won’t help. Take deep breaths and act quickly but clearly.
   
2. Search for nearby places first.
   Check inside the house, yard, garage, street, and neighborhood. Look in familiar places like churches, supermarkets, plazas, or parks that the person used to visit.
   
3. Ask neighbors and people nearby.
   Someone might have seen them leave and can tell you, their direction.
   
4. Call the police immediately.
   Don’t wait 24 hours. In cases involving elderly individuals with memory issues, you can immediately file a missing person report. Provide all your information: full name, age, medical conditions, physical description, clothing worn, and recent photos.
   
5. Activate the Silver Alert.
   The Silver Alert is a special notice from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau to help locate missing individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To activate it, you’ll need medical documentation, a detailed physical description, and evidence that the person is at risk due to their condition. Age is not a requirement.
   
6. Call local hospitals and medical centers.
   Sometimes the person is taken to a hospital if someone finds them on the street or they have a fall.
   
7. Spread the word on social media or community groups.
   Share the photo and description if you use Facebook, WhatsApp, or community chats. Many people are willing to help in the search.

Tips to Be Prepared:

• Keep updated photos of the person in your care.
• Save a list of their favorite places or places they used to visit on your phone.
• Store neighbors’ phone numbers, frequently visited stores, relatives, and doctors.
• Inform neighbors that the person has Alzheimer’s, so they can be alert if they see them alone.

You are not alone. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy, but with preparation and support, you can manage these difficult moments. Having an action plan will bring you more peace of mind. Most importantly, don’t feel guilty if this happens. It happens to many families. What matters is to act quickly, with compassion, and in an organized way.

To Activate the Silver Alert in Puerto Rico, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 or go to the nearest police station to report the disappearance.
2. Provide detailed information:
   • Medical certification: A document confirming the cognitive condition diagnosis
   • Medication list
   • Physical description and recent photo: height, weight, clothing worn, and a recent photo
3. Provide information about the person’s routines, favorite places, and any other helpful details.

Age is not a requirement to activate the Silver Alert; the key factor is a cognitive condition that puts the person’s safety at risk. Acting immediately and providing complete information is crucial to locating your loved one.