Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition and the most common cause of dementia. It develops when abnormal proteins, known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, build up in the brain. Over time, these changes damage and eventually kill nerve cells, disrupting how the brain functions.
Alzheimer’s is a natural part of ageing but can also affect people under 65, known as young-onset Alzheimer’s. The disease affects thinking, problem solving and language which often leads to memory loss or struggling to find words. This confusion can develop, leading to a struggle with daily activities and becoming disorientated, even in familiar places. This can be very concerning for their families, loved ones and carers that look after them.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia
- There are almost 1 million people living with dementia in the UK.
- This number is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
- 70% of those living with dementia will go missing at least once
- Every year, over 40,000 people in the UK, living with dementia, will be reported missing for the first time.
What can be done to help?
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways in which we can help keep people living with the disease safe. There are treatments available, but this does not eradicate the risk of someone living with Alzheimer’s getting confused or lost. Families and carers need a tool to have peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are protected at all times.
The Herbert Protocol is a proactive tool, used by police forces across the UK, to help find people living with dementia that go missing. It is a digitalised form, that carers, a family member or the person themselves, fill in with key information that would help if they went missing:
- A recent photo
- Medications
- Familiar places
- Routines
- Past addresses
- Contact details
This information is stored in MedicAlert’s secure database and available to police and emergency services through their 24/7 emergency line. This proactive service means that police can start their search instantly, with all the information that they need available.
The Herbert Protocol is a completely free service funded by MedicAlert. MedicAlert is the UK’s first and only medical ID charity providing a voice for people with all medical conditions in an emergency. MedicAlert IDs are vital for people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. If someone is confused when out in public, their ID can speak for them and allow the right help to be given. This understanding can help situations be resolved quicker. As a charity, MedicAlert not only provides the Herbert Protocol for free, but also a MedicAlert ID and first years membership for free.
Alzheimer’s awareness this September
Alzheimer’s Month is a good time to create awareness and there are ways in which you can help. Here are 3 steps you can take this September and all year round:
- Talk & raise awareness. Share the statistics, especially about how common dementia is, how often missing incidents occur and help people understand Alzheimer’s. The more people know, the more likely they are to support or use tools like Herbert Protocol to stay safe.
- Fill in the Herbert Protocol form. If you or someone you care for has Alzheimer’s dementia, it’s worth completing the form now so you are prepared.
- Join MedicAlert. Having a medical ID and full medical information readily available in an emergency, provides peace of mind that your loved ones are safe and always have a voice.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are growing in scale and impact. As the numbers rise, the risk of people going missing increases. But tools like the Herbert Protocol, provided by MedicAlert, offer proactive ways to help people living with dementia stay safe in emergency situations and support their families and carers. This Alzheimer’s Month, consider putting protections in place. It could make all the difference and save a life..
