Lost and Found: Understanding Technologies Used to Locate Missing Persons with Alzheimer's or Dementia

• NCJ Number: 245653
• Date Published: March 2014
• Length: 29 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-SJ-BX-K011
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Award: Project Lifesaver Replication Initiative

Annotation

This report examines issues of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia (AD/D).

Abstract

Persons diagnosed with AD/D experience seven progressively worsening phases and eventually will be cognitively impaired to the point where they will become disoriented and can easily get lost. Eventually persons with AD/D will need full-time care. This presents a challenging situation for not only persons with these afflictions, but also their families, caregivers, law enforcement agencies, medical communities, and even neighbors and the communities where these persons reside. As the number of persons diagnosed with AD/D increases, there will be a growing need for required support, technology tools, and medical breakthroughs. This report serves to familiarize law enforcement officers and other first responders, caregivers, families, and the community on the signs of dementia and provides information on passive identification products used to identify persons with Alzheimer's. It provides suggestions for improved skills to better deal with the challenges resulting from AD/D as well as a broad overview of the symptoms of AD/D and the potential impact on persons living with these afflictions. A review of the passive identification techniques, public alert options, locating device technology, and current locative products in the field are also provided. Table, figures, appendixes, and references