Wandering and getting lost are common and serious concerns among individuals with dementia. Did you know that 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander at least once during the course of their illness. Source Alzheimer's Association Many individuals who wander do so repeatedly. Once someone has wandered, there’s a high likelihood of recurrence.

What are common triggers for wandering?
•Disorientation in familiar settings. Example: an individual might confuse the bathroom with the front door and mistakenly walk out.
•Searching for something or someone from the past. Example wanting to leave to look for a loved one.
•Boredom or lack of stimulation. Example: Individual is bored being inside.
•Anxiety or agitation, particularly in the evening (sundowning). Example: pacing leads to waking out the front door.

How about getting lost in a familiar place?
 It is common for an individual with dementia to get distracted and/or overly stimulated. As a result, even in a place that is familiar such as a mall, lobby at a doctor’s office or a driving a route that they have driven numerous times, a person is more prone to get lost.

I strongly urge that precautions are taken. One of the latest “user friendly” options is an insole for an airtage. Easy to put into shoes or sneakers. These and other options listed below are sold on Amazon.
GPS tracking devices.
 MedicAlert® + Safe Return® programs.
Home modifications (alarms, door sensors)

If a person has wandered or is lost, immediately notify your local police department.


Please note, I have no financial interest or gain in these products. I share this information solely to be informative.