What is wandering?

Wandering is when a person with dementia walks or drives off, or becomes lost or confused about where they are, because the disease affects their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. The Alzheimer's Association says six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, and many do so repeatedly. It can happen at any stage and can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

People with dementia wander because the disease erodes their ability to recognize familiar places, and often because they are acting on an old routine or need. The Alzheimer's Association lists warning signs such as talking about going to work, trying to go home when already home, restlessness and pacing, and trouble finding the bathroom or bedroom. For people who sundown, it may start in the early evening.

Wandering can happen at any stage, and the Alzheimer's Association says everyone living with dementia is at risk. It lists an increased tendency to wander and become lost among the typical changes of the middle stage. In the early stage, daily check-ins and other transport options can help; as the risk grows, door alarms and other safety measures are worth considering.

No step can fully prevent it, but routine, activity and home safety measures lower the risk. The Alzheimer's Association suggests structured, meaningful activities, planning things to do at the time of day the person tends to wander, meeting needs such as toileting and hunger, removing access to car keys, and placing deadbolts out of sight, while never locking the person in alone. It also suggests door chimes.

Start searching right away, and call 911 if the person is not found within 15 minutes, telling police they have dementia. The Alzheimer's Association notes that many people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared, often in brush or near ponds, tree lines or fence lines. Keep a recent photo ready, and consider enrolling the person in a wandering response service.