Holidays Bring Stress and Confusion for People with Alzheimer’s Disease
ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts call wandering.
The Challenge of Wandering
"I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia," said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. "Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening."
The Consequences of Wandering
The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. However, the odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery, said the vast majority of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease.
The Importance of Quick Action
Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization, a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters, emphasizes the importance of quick action.
Warning Signs of Wandering
There are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these signs include:
- Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual
- Talking about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talking about going home, even when they’re at home
- Becoming restless and pacing or making repetitive movements
Search and Rescue Efforts
Dan Goerke, whose late wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, shared his experience when his wife went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand, and when he returned, she was gone. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day.
New Technology and Training
Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery has unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick, an 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, is in training to be part of the GESAR search and rescue team. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas.
Conclusion
Holidays can be a challenging time for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but with proper precautions and quick action, the risk of wandering can be minimized. By being aware of the warning signs and taking steps to ensure the safety of loved ones, families and caregivers can help prevent this tragic outcome.
FAQs
Q: What is wandering?
A: Wandering is the tendency of people with dementia to leave their usual environment, often without warning, and can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even danger.
Q: What are the warning signs of wandering?
A: Warning signs include returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual, talking about fulfilling former obligations, and becoming restless and pacing or making repetitive movements.
Q: What should I do if a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia disappears?
A: Call 911 as soon as possible and have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs.
Q: Can technology help in search and rescue efforts?
A: Yes, technology can be used in searches, including drones and trackable devices on phones or cars.
