Wandering caused by Alzheimer's and other dementias

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This article was last updated on 11/10/2008.
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Wandering can pose a major problem for the caregiver and can be dangerous for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.

Get a medical ID bracelet for the person so that you can be contacted if he or she wanders away.

  • Try to figure out why the person wanders. He or she may be trying to find something specific or looking for a familiar object. A person who wanders at a certain time of day may always have taken a walk or gone to work at that time.
  • Lock outside doors, and use alarms and other devices to alert you when the person wanders outdoors or into unsafe areas.
  • Provide a safe place for wandering, such as an enclosed yard or garden.
Author: Monica RhodesLast Updated: November 10, 2008
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology

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