Wandering and Alzheimer's
 Wandering is a dangerous side effect of Alzheimer’s disease in which patients set out on a trip and forget where they are going or why they are going there. As a result, people who suffer from the disease will often find themselves lost or unaware of their surroundings and reality – wandering far away from the safety of their home. They will sometimes set out with a goal in mind and forget that goal, or otherwise make plans based on events from long ago and end up severely confused. For these reasons, wandering is a potentially life-threatening danger that can cause acute stress for both the patient and his or her caregivers.
It is estimated that over 65% of those with dementia will wander at some point, so it is critical for caregivers to monitor their loved ones and be alert for any signs of wandering (see below). However, it is often difficult to balance one’s need for a degree of personal freedom with the necessity of protecting him or her from the dangers of wandering. When a person with Alzheimer’s disease does begin to wander, it is important to recognize the confusion and help him or her refocus on real-life tasks.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:
- Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual
- Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work
- Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home
- Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements
- Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
- Checks the whereabouts of familiar people
- Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done
- Appears lost in a new or changed environment
The Alzheimer’s Association also provides a list of tips to aid those with Alzheimer’s who are susceptible to wandering and their caregivers: - Encourage movement and exercise to reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness
- Ensure all basic needs are met (toileting, nutrition, thirst)
- Involve the person in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner
- Place color-matching cloth over doorknobs to camouflage
- Redirect pacing or restless behavior
- Place a mirror near doorways. The reflection of a person's own face will often stop him or her from exiting the door.
- Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented.
- Enroll the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return.
- Inform your neighbors and local emergency responders of the person’s condition and keep a list of their names and telephone numbers.
- Keep your home safe and secure by installing deadbolt or slide-bolt locks on exterior doors and limiting access to potentially dangerous areas.
- Never lock the person with dementia in a home without supervision.
- Be aware that the person may not only wander by foot but also by car or other modes of transportation.
MedicAlert and Safe Return:
Keep your loved one safe by knowing the risk factors for wandering and enrolling in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency. More information
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