Utah's Silver Alert Program Will Help Find Those With Dementia Who Are Wandering

Utah is adopting a Silver Alert program to help find seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's who have wandered off, reports the Deseret News . The program will go into effect later this year. Jeremy Cunningham with the Utah chapter of the Alzheimer's Association says about 21,300 adults will wander in the state between now and 2025. He adds that 39 states have a program like the Silver Alert, but Utah's stands out by featuring a geographical aspect, reaching out first through local alerts and getting in touch with local officials and media. If there are indications that the wanderer has used a car or other transportation, the alert will expand and use messaging boards on freeways and interstates. In addition, law enforcement will be authorized to issue an alert if they find someone and are attempting to contact their family or caregiver. "I think the program would give caregivers reassurance that other people were concerned and other people were willing to keep their eyes open and be looking," says Salt Lake City resident Rich Dixon, whose wife wandered during her battle with dementia.