Phil Atkins, Business Development Manager – MedicAlert
When a person with dementia goes missing, the consequences can be life threatening as well as costly for the police in terms of the time and effort spent looking for them. But until now it has not been fully understood precisely what causes people with dementia to go missing.
People living with dementia, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s disease, often face challenges with memory and spatial navigation. These difficulties can sometimes lead to disorientation and confusion, causing individuals to go missing, even in familiar environments. Research by the University of East Anglia shows that 70 per cent of people living with dementia will experience at least one missing incident during the progression of the condition.
Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, affects the brain’s ability to process spatial information and individuals with dementia may struggle with both body-based and map-based navigation, making it difficult for them to recognise familiar environments or find their way back. This confusion often occurs during daily activities, increasing the likelihood of wandering. However, understanding the environmental risks that lead to these incidents means that preventative steps can be taken.
Research led by Professor Michael Hornberger of the University of East Anglia, a leading expert in dementia, has found that specific environmental factors can make it more likely for someone with dementia to become lost, for example, when faced with complex road networks and intersections, individuals with dementia may have difficulty choosing the right route, leading to disorientation and confusion. Areas with a high density of visible landmarks, such as parks buildings and shops, can also overwhelm someone with dementia; instead of helping them find their way, too many visual clues can lead to further confusion, making it harder for them to recognise familiar locations or retrace their steps. Understanding these environmental risks is crucial for carers, as it helps them identify high-risk environments and take necessary precautions when planning outings with their loved ones.
The research also found that there are four common scenarios where people with dementia are most likely to go missing: the first is routine outings, for example everyday activities such as walking the dog or going to the corner shop present a high risk – individuals may leave the house as part of their routine but then struggle to find their way home. The second is waiting in place, for example if a carer asks someone with dementia to wait while they run an errand, the person may walk off and become lost in unfamiliar surroundings. The third scenario is night-time wandering where individuals may leave the house while their carer is sleeping. The fourth is leaving the house after an argument, increasing the risk of getting lost due to the mental distress. The first two scenarios – routine outings and waiting in place – account for 75 per cent of all dementia-related missing incidents, making them critical times for increased vigilance.
The Herbert Protocol, a scheme adopted by a number of police forces across the country, and supported by the charity MedicAlert, is a practical tool that can be crucial in preventing missing incidents in people with dementia. By completing a simple form, carers can provide essential information such as the individual’s favourite places, daily routines and medical conditions. This information is securely stored in a national database and is accessible to police and emergency services when someone goes missing.
By registering with the Herbert Protocol at www.herbertprotocol.com, carers ensure that the most up-to-date information about their loved one is immediately available to authorities, enabling faster and more efficient search efforts. The first hour after someone goes missing is vital to finding them quickly and the Protocol helps emergency responders access essential information during this critical period, enabling them to focus their search based on key areas identified in the form, improving the chances of a safe return.
Understanding the risks that can lead to dementia-related missing incidents and using tools like the Herbert Protocol (a practical example of how the police, the public and the third sector can come together to prevent harm) are vital steps for safeguarding those with dementia. By staying informed and prepared, carers can significantly reduce the risk of their loved ones going missing and ensure a fast, effective response if they do.