People living with dementia, particularly those 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 shows that 70% of people living with dementia will experience at least one missing incident during the progression of the condition. This blog explores the environmental risks and daily scenarios that contribute to these incidents, as well as how the Herbert Protocol can be a life-saving tool for families and carers.
How Dementia Affects Navigation and Increases Missing Incidents
Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, affects the brain’s ability to process spatial information, which can result in missing incidents. Individuals with dementia may struggle with both egocentric navigation (body-based) and allocentric navigation (map-based), 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.
Research shows that 70% of people with dementia will experience at least one missing incident during the progression of their condition. This highlights the importance of understanding the environmental risks that can lead to such incidents and taking preventive steps.
Environmental Risk Factors for Dementia-Related Missing Incidents
Certain environmental factors can make it more likely for someone with dementia to become lost:
- Complex Road Networks and Intersections: Areas with high intersection density or complex road layouts increase the risk of dementia-related missing incidents. When faced with multiple directions, individuals with dementia may have difficulty choosing the correct route, leading to disorientation and confusion.
- Overload of Landmarks: Areas with a high density of visible landmarks, such as parks, buildings, and shops, can overwhelm someone with dementia. Instead of helping them find their way, too many visual cues can lead to further confusion, making it harder for them to recognise familiar locations or retrace their steps.
When Are People with Dementia Most at Risk of Going Missing?
Understanding these environmental risks is crucial for carers, as it helps them identify high-risk areas and take necessary precautions when planning outings with their loved ones.
There are four common scenarios where people with dementia are most likely to go missing:
- Routine Outings: 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.
- Waiting in Place: 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.
- Leaving While the Carer Sleeps: Night-time wandering is another common risk, as individuals with dementia may leave the house while their carer is sleeping.
- After an Argument: Emotional distress following a disagreement can cause someone with dementia to leave the house impulsively, increasing the risk of getting lost.
The first two scenarios—routine outings and waiting in place—account for 75% of all dementia-related missing incidents, making them critical times for increased vigilance.
How the Herbert Protocol Helps Prevent Dementia-Related Missing Incidents
The Herbert Protocol, supported by 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, 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. Emergency responders can focus their search based on key areas identified in the form, improving the chances of a safe return.
Immediate Action in Case of a Missing Incident
If you suspect that your loved one with dementia has gone missing, it is crucial to contact the police immediately. The first hour after someone goes missing is vital to finding them quickly and ensuring their safety. The Herbert Protocol helps emergency responders access essential information during this critical period.
Practical Tips for Caregivers to Prevent Missing Incidents
Here are some steps carers can take to reduce the risk of their loved one with dementia going missing:
- Be mindful of risky activities: Routine outings and waiting in place are high-risk situations for people with dementia. Keep a close eye on your loved one during these activities, and try to accompany them as much as possible.
- Complete the Herbert Protocol: By registering your loved one at with the Herbert Protocol, you ensure that emergency services have immediate access to crucial information in the event of an emergency. This significantly reduces search times and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
- Update the Protocol regularly: Make sure the information on the Herbert Protocol form is up to date. As your loved one’s condition or routine changes, you should update the form to reflect these changes, ensuring that emergency services have the most accurate information.
Conclusion
Understanding the risks that can lead to dementia-related missing incidents and using tools like the Herbert Protocol 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.
Take the first step in protecting your loved one by completing the Herbert Protocol today.
Author: Phil Atkins of MedicAlert UK
Contributions by: Prof. Michael Hornberger M.Sc. Ph.D. (Professor of Applied Dementia Research)
