Health

What To Do When Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease Wanders

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2023

Prevention and preparation can help you keep your loved one safe

November 21, 2023 – The definition of wandering varies from context to context. Technically, wandering is an umbrella term for several different behaviors. This includes elopement (attempts to escape), repetitive pacing and becoming lost. According to neurologist, Jagan Pillai, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, most of the caregivers he works with think about wandering in terms of the latter — when someone becomes lost outside of the home, without their knowledge.

However you define it, wandering is a serious concern. It tends to occur in moderate to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people living with the disease will wander at least once. Most individuals who wander, wander repeatedly.

As you can imagine, wandering is incredibly dangerous. In fact, of individuals who aren’t found within the first 24 hours of their departure, 50% end up either severely injured or dead. That’s why it’s so important to take action to prevent wandering, and implement a plan for recovering a loved one if they go missing.

It’s worth noting that Alzheimer’s isn’t the only condition that can cause wandering. It also occurs in other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, specific forms of dementia like Lewy body dementia and developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the advice below focuses on Alzheimer’s, it might be worth a read for others, too.

According to Dr. Pillai, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, certain abilities degrade, like sequential planning and keeping track of a daily routine.

“People with Alzheimer’s may not perceive the outside world in the same way anymore,” he explains. “The way they perceive colors and distances might change, too, so they’re not able to make judgments about how far apart things are, or how one object relates to another.”

This combination makes it difficult for the person with dementia to figure out where they are — and what to do next.

Many people who wander are motivated by a goal of some sort. Some of the common motivations include a need to escape from what one perceives as an unfamiliar or unsafe setting, a desire for social interaction or simple restlessness.

It’s often impossible to determine why an individual is wandering because, as Dr. Pillai notes, a combination of these things can happen all at once. He offers an example of going to get the newspaper.

“They’ve done that a zillion times in their life,” he explains, “but as the disease progresses, there will be a point where they pick up the newspaper, and suddenly the world doesn’t seem the way it used to seem. They get confused and they take a wrong turn.”

Something as simple as changing weather might be enough to disorient a person with dementia. As Alzheimer’s disease affects both memory and sequential planning, it’s hard to know what triggers the behavior.

If you have a loved one with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you’ve likely heard of a common phenomenon called sundowning. The term refers to a number of symptoms — like irritation, confusion, agitation and depression — worsening over the course of the day. While most people experience sundowning after the sun goes down, as the name suggests, it can actually happen at other times of day, too.

About 20% of all people with Alzheimer’s disease experience sundowning.

While it’s true that sundowning can prompt nighttime wandering, Dr. Pillai doesn’t see it as often among his patients as the literature would lead us to expect.

“Wandering typically means the person is breaching the threshold between their home and the elements,” he explains, “and people don’t usually go outside as much at night, although they might be wandering inside the house.”

That said, when people do have a wandering episode after dark, it’s extremely dangerous.

Wandering is a sign of disease progression, so it tends not to happen out of the blue. Your loved one may be at risk of wandering if they start:

Forgetting how to get to familiar places, both inside and outside the house.
Talking about obligations from their past, like going to work or picking children up from school.
Asking about the whereabouts of family members who’ve passed away.
Expressing a desire to “go home” while at home.
Getting disoriented or anxious in crowded or public spaces.

If you notice these behaviors, it’s time to implement your wandering safety plan.

If you have children, you’ve probably sat down with them at some point to create a fire safety plan. It’s important to do the same thing for wandering. Having a wandering safety plan allows you and any other people involved in your loved one’s care to prepare for an emergency long before it happens. Here are some things to consider for your safety plan:

Get a medical identification bracelet. According to Dr. Pillai, this is perhaps the most important component of the wandering safety plan. The bracelet should include the individual’s name, their medical condition (for example, “Alzheimer’s” or “memory loss”), a contact number for their primary caregiver and, if possible, their address.
Enroll in a safe return program. Multiple companies sell medical alert devices with GPS tracking. In addition to facilitating the safe return of a loved one, they can also be used to summon the authorities in the event of a medical emergency. The Alzheimer’s Association, in collaboration with the MedicAlert® Foundation, has a 24/7 Wandering Support program.
Take regular photos. In the event that your loved one goes missing, it’s crucial that you have a recent close-up photo to share with the authorities.
Inform your neighbors. Contact the people living in the immediate vicinity of the person with Alzheimer’s and ask them to alert you if they see the individual walking around unsupervised. If possible, provide them with a photo. According to Dr. Pillai, “People are sometimes hesitant about sharing this information with their friends or family, or members of the community, but making sure people are aware is a huge safety net.”
Write down likely wandering destinations. Make a list of the places your loved one has gone in the past or places you suspect they might try to go during a wandering episode. For example, if the person thinks they still have a job, they may try to go to their office.
Install an alarm system. In addition to conventional home security systems, there is a wide range of products on the market specifically designed for wandering prevention, including bed, chair and gate alarms. There are also pressure mats with built-in alarms that can alert you when your loved one is walking into an unsafe area of the house.
Hide your keys. Make sure your home and car keys aren’t readily accessible to a person living with dementia.

While you can’t stop people with Alzheimer’s from wandering, you can create an environment that discourages it. Here are some tips for managing wandering:

Cover the basics. All humans need regular access to food, water and a toilet. Those needs going unmet may prompt a person living with dementia to wander.
Build routines. Even if your loved one hasn’t had issues with wandering, structure can be helpful. Involve your loved one in daily activities like preparing meals. If you aren’t providing day-to-day care, arrange to call at the same time every day to check in.
Schedule with symptoms in mind. Look for patterns in the individual’s wandering. If they’re prone to wandering at a particular time of day, plan activities during that time.
Encourage “safe walking” and other exercises. Restlessness and lack of exercise are common causes of wandering. Give your loved one scheduled, supervised opportunities to get outside and be active.
Camouflage exits. Where possible, match your door handle to the door color. If you can’t change the hardware, try covering the doorknob in fabric. You can also hang art on the door, giving it the appearance of a wall. Keep in mind, if you’re loved one is wandering, they can’t be alone — concealing the door is only safe if the individual is being monitored.
Consider aromatherapy. While the scientific evidence is far from conclusive, the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society notes that aromatherapy might reduce aggression and improve cognition in people living with dementia.

While it’s important to keep your loved one from wandering, remember to NEVER leave them in a locked house by themselves. If you discover that a person with Alzheimer’s is missing, it’s important to act fast.

Within the first 15 minutes after learning your loved one is lost, do as many of the following steps as you can:

Search the entire residence, including areas where the individual might not usually go (like a garage, basement, attic or crawlspace).
Make sure there aren’t any cars missing from the residence.
Search in the yard, if there is one, and in the surrounding neighborhood. Be attentive to the landscape. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, many individuals who go missing are found within brush or brier.
If the individual has gotten lost in the past, search the areas where you previously found them.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, most people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of their starting location. As you widen your search area, favor the direction of the person’s dominant hand. For example, turn right at a fork in the road if your loved one is right-handed. When people with dementia wander, they tend to follow the direction of their dominant hand.
Alert neighbors, friends and family members that the individual is lost. If possible, show them a recent picture of the missing person so they can keep an eye out.

If after 15 minutes of searching, you’ve been unable to locate your loved one, you should call 911 and report the individual missing. The authorities can then determine whether or not to issue a Silver Alert.

A Silver Alert — similar to the Marco Alerts you receive following a child abduction — is specific to missing persons who have a cognitive disorder, mental disability or brain disorder. The alert notifies everyone within the locale, region or state to be on the lookout for the missing individual.

No matter how much you plan or how hard you work, taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia will never be easy. It’s an emotionally, mentally and physically taxing experience. Without proper support, you run the risk of burning out. That’s why part of being an effective caregiver is knowing when to seek help.

Dr. Pillai recommends caregiver support groups to his patients’ families, explaining that, “There’s a lot of value in talking to other people going through the same experience.” Support groups provide a space to process grief, release stress and learn healthy coping strategies.

Dr. Pillai also notes that talking to other caregivers in your area is a great way to learn “what strategies to prevent wandering work in the real world.” If you’re not comfortable attending a support group, consider joining an online forum.

Millions of people are living with Alzheimer’s disease around the world — and millions more are caring for them. Wandering is scary, yes, but it isn’t unique. Your loved one isn’t alone in this fight, and neither are you.

Health

Cleveland Clinic First in Ohio to Perform Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Health system is among only a handful in the U.S. to offer the minimally invasive robotic procedure Cleveland Clinic is among the first hospitals in the country – and the first in Ohio – to perform a robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy procedure, following recent clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Stephanie Valente, D.O., and a surgical team recently performed the first robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast cancer reconstruction at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. The procedure offers a new minimally invasive approach to breast cancer surgery and risk-reducing mastectomy for patients at elevated risk.

This milestone places Cleveland Clinic among a select group of centers nationwide offering the advanced technology and brings one of the newest innovations in breast cancer surgery to patients in Northeast Ohio.

“This robotic approach offers greater precision through a much smaller incision, which can mean less visible scarring and faster recovery,” said Dr. Valente, director of the Cleveland Clinic Breast Surgery Fellowship Program and director of the West Region Multidisciplinary Breast Program. “Compared with the traditional procedure, which requires a larger incision, this approach can improve cosmetic outcomes, preserve the skin and nipple, and support a more natural appearance after surgery.”

During the procedure, surgeons use a 3D camera and robotic instruments inserted through a small incision of one inch, typically hidden along the side of the breast rather than across the underside, to remove breast tissue while preserving the nipple, areola and skin. The robotic platform, the da Vinci SP Surgical System, provides enhanced visualization and precision while minimizing disruption to the overlying skin.

Robotic surgery gives the surgeon better visualization of the operative field in what is typically a technically challenging procedure. This enhanced view can improve nerve identification and preservation, reduce blood loss and allow surgeons to perform the same oncologic operation through a one-inch incision rather than the traditional five-inch open incision.

The robotic approach removes the same breast tissue as a conventional mastectomy, while changing how the surgeon accesses the breast. For some patients, breast reconstruction can be performed during the same operation.

This approach is designed to reduce scarring, enhance cosmetic outcomes, preserve the natural skin envelope and nipple, improve sensation and accelerate recovery. For some patients, the less visible incision may also support confidence and body image after surgery. The procedure further expands Cleveland Clinic’s minimally invasive breast surgery options, which include endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy.

“As a field, we haven’t had many new options for patients with breast surgery for a decade now, so we are pleased to now have these minimally invasive procedures available for our patients,” said Dr. Valente. “Innovations like this support a more patient-centered experience as they allow us to address both the physical and emotional realities of breast cancer.”

Bahamas News

Walk for the Cure Every Saturday This October

Published

3 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Nassau, Bahamas, 1 October 2026 – Every Saturday this month, communities across The Bahamas will take steps in support of cancer patients and survivors as CIBC Caribbean’s Walk for the Cure returns to New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “Each Saturday in October represents another community coming together, another opportunity to raise awareness and, most importantly, more support for the organizations that are doing this work every day.”

The month of activities begins this Saturday, October 3, in New Providence, with participants gathering at the Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre for a 6:30am start.

CIBC Caribbean Walk Champion, Antionette Fox, said the series of walks gives communities across the country an opportunity to contribute to a cause that directly supports Bahamian cancer organizations.

“Every Saturday for the month of October, there will be a walk that you can participate in to contribute towards this worthy cause,” Fox said.

In New Providence, the morning will extend beyond the walk itself, with Zumba, wellness activities, informational vendors, and opportunities for participants to connect with organizations working directly with cancer patients and survivors.

Gennie Dean Caring and Sharing Cancer Support Group President Duquesa Dean said participants do not have to complete the full route to be part of the morning.

“Just come out…there is something for everyone, come for the community,” Dean said. “There’s a survivor ceremony, so come and participate and celebrate the people who have gone through cancer and are here as evidence that you could live after a cancer diagnosis.”

The Gennie Dean Caring and Sharing Cancer Support Group is one of eight cancer organizations in The Bahamas that benefit from funds raised through Walk for the Cure. The others are the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Groups of New Providence and Grand Bahama, Cancer Society of The Bahamas, the Cancer Societies of Abaco, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama, and the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama.

Dean explained that CIBC Caribbean covers the cost of staging WFTC, allowing donations raised to support the work of beneficiary organizations.

For her organization, that assistance translates into tangible support for people navigating cancer, including food assistance, financial aid, prosthetic breasts, and mastectomy bras, as well as programs such as Step Into Wellness, which promotes movement and healthy living among cancer patients and survivors.

Corporate partners are also helping to strengthen this year’s effort. Bamboo Shack has joined the initiative as a gold sponsor, with representative Ghandi Pinder sharing that the cause has a personal significance for her.

Pinder recalled shaving her hair in solidarity with her sister after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and began losing her hair during chemotherapy.

“We see you, we’re here with you, we’re in it with you,” Pinder said of Bamboo Shack’s message to those affected by cancer.

She also encouraged more of Corporate Bahamas to support initiatives that directly impact the communities they serve.

“At Bamboo Shack, we always say a better Bahamas begins with you… Together, we can make a difference,” she said.

Registration for Walk for the Cure is $30 for adults and $15 for children and can be completed at any CIBC Caribbean branch. CIBC Caribbean clients can also donate through online banking.

The New Providence Walk begins promptly at 6:30am on Saturday, October 3, at the Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre, followed by Walk for the Cure events in other islands each Saturday throughout October. The Grand Bahama WFTC event will be held on October 10 and the Abaco and Eleuthera WFTC events will occur on October 17 and October 24 respectively.

Gibson added, “Some will walk for themselves, some in celebration of a survivor, and others in memory of someone they have lost. Whatever brings you to Walk for the Cure, every person who shows up becomes part of a much bigger expression of support for those affected by cancer.”

Health

TCI Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with “Know. Check. Act. Support.” Campaign

Published

3 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile reinforces the importance of breast awareness, appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and continuing cancer care

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 1^st October 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCI Hospital) is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with a month-long public awareness campaign under the theme “Know. Check. Act. Support. – Early Detection Saves Lives.”

This year’s campaign is being informed by TCI Hospital’s Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025, which demonstrates that breast cancer remains an important and continuing healthcare issue for patients, families and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands community.

Throughout the ten-year period, TCI Hospital continued to record new cases of malignant neoplasms of the breast each year. Annual new registrations fluctuated, reinforcing an important message: breast cancer is not an occasional concern confined to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it requires sustained awareness, appropriate screening, timely investigation and diagnosis, access to treatment, follow-up and support throughout the year.

What Our Cancer Register Tells Us

The TCI Hospital Cancer Register recorded 21 new breast cancer cases in 2016, the highest annual figure reported during the ten-year profile. In subsequent years, the overall annual new-case count ranged from 8 to 18 cases, with 18 new cases recorded in 2024 and 10 in 2025.

The register also demonstrates the continuing accumulation of breast cancer cases within the hospital’s cancer records. The total registered breast cancer caseload increased from 79 in 2016 to 192 by 2025. More recently, the register increased from 160 cases in 2023 to 181 in 2024 and 192 in 2025. These figures represent the hospital’s registered caseload and should not be interpreted as population incidence, prevalence or the number of people currently living with breast cancer.

Behind every registration is more than a statistic. Each represents a person whose diagnosis has implications for their family and for the healthcare professionals and services involved in cancer investigation, treatment, coordination, follow-up and support.

The ten-year profile therefore reinforces the importance not only of identifying breast cancer, but of ensuring that people affected by the disease are supported throughout their cancer journey.

Know the Signs and Act on Changes

Breast cancer can present in different ways. Changes that should prompt assessment by a healthcare professional may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; dimpling, puckering or other unusual changes to the breast skin; nipple changes or unusual discharge; or another new or persistent breast change.

Finding a change does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. However, an unexplained or persistent change should not be ignored.

TCI Hospital encourages members of the community to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts and to seek medical advice if they notice something different.

Know Your Risk. Know Your Family History.

Breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors. Understanding personal and family medical history can help individuals have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers about their individual risk.

Having no known family history of breast cancer does not mean that breast health can be ignored. Equally, people with a significant family history or other factors that may increase their risk should discuss this with an appropriate healthcare professional.

The TCI Hospital Cancer Register also records male breast cancer, reminding the community that although breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.

Screening and Early Diagnosis Matter

Breast awareness and screening have different but complementary purposes. Screening is intended to identify possible breast abnormalities in people who may not have symptoms, while a new or concerning breast change requires appropriate clinical assessment.

There is no single screening approach that is appropriate for every individual. TCI Hospital therefore encourages people to discuss their age, personal risk factors, family history and appropriate breast screening with their healthcare provider.

Similarly, people experiencing a concerning breast change should not wait for their next routine screening appointment before seeking medical advice.

The campaign’s message “Early Detection Saves Lives” emphasizes the importance of timely action. It does not mean that every breast change is cancer. Rather, seeking medical attention allows appropriate investigation to take place and, where cancer is diagnosed, enables the healthcare team to determine the most appropriate next steps.

From Cancer Registration to Better Cancer Care

TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said the Cancer Register has an important role beyond recording the number of cancer cases seen by the hospital.

“Our Cancer Register is not simply about counting cases. It helps us understand the cancer burden presenting to our hospital, identify patterns over time and inform how we plan and strengthen cancer services. Behind every number is a patient, a family and a cancer journey. The continued recording of new breast cancer cases reminds us why awareness must lead to action and why our health system must continue to strengthen the pathway from appropriate screening and timely diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship support.”

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to understand that fear should not become a reason to delay seeking care. Know what is normal for you, understand your risk, participate in screening that is appropriate for you and seek medical advice when something changes. Just as importantly, we must continue to support those undergoing cancer treatment and those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

Know. Check. Act. Support.

Throughout October, TCI Hospital will deliver a programme of activities designed to turn breast cancer awareness into practical action.

Activities will include an educational breast cancer awareness video addressing signs and symptoms, screening, early detection and support; publication of findings from the TCI Hospital Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025; breast cancer facts and educational messages; a special House Call – Pink Round Table addressing breast cancer risk, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship; and Pink Fridays, during which TCI Hospital team members will wear pink to promote awareness, early detection, survivorship and support.

The campaign will also highlight the important role of families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community. Support can take many forms; from listening and accompanying someone to an appointment to assisting with transportation, meals, childcare or other practical needs during treatment.

TCI Hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month message to the Turks and Caicos Islands community is:

KNOW – Know your body, your family history and your individual risk.

CHECK – Participate in appropriate screening and pay attention to changes.

ACT – Do not ignore a new or concerning breast change. Seek medical advice.

SUPPORT – Stand with patients, survivors, families and others affected by breast cancer.

Know. Check. Act. Support.

Early Detection Saves Lives.