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

Is It Bad To Sleep in a Bra?

Published

2 weeks ago

August 30, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks

When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?

Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.

Should you sleep in a bra?

Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.

“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”

But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.

Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you

Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.

Lessens breast pain

Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.

Common causes include:

Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight

“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”

A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.

Protects lactating breasts

If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:

Holds nursing pads in place
Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
Reduces nipple chafing
Supports the structure of your breasts

Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.

Prevents fungal infections

Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.

“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”

Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.

Reduces nipple irritation

Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:

Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
A sleep bra that’s too loose

Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.

Helps with recovery after surgery

It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:

Decrease fluid collection
Minimize pain
Hold gauze and drains in place

“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”

Diminishes stretch marks

Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.

“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”

Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on

Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.

Causes skin irritation and infection

A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:

Dirty
Too tight
Too loose

Restricts circulation

“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”

Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.

Tips for wearing a bra to bed

If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.

For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:

Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.

Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.

Health

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates Successful Completion of 2026 Summer READY Programme

Published

3 weeks ago

August 18, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 18, 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Summer READY Programme, a two-week internship initiative designed to provide high school students in Forms 3-5 with hands-on exposure to the healthcare environment and an opportunity to explore careers within the sector.

The programme, organised and hosted by the Training and Education Department, welcomed students into various clinical departments, where they gained first-hand insight into the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility and learned directly from healthcare professionals.

Throughout the two-week internship, students were exposed to different aspects of patient care and clinical operations while developing important workplace competencies, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, punctuality and responsibility. The experience was designed to complement classroom learning while helping students make more informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.

Vernessa Forbes, Training and Education Manager, said the Summer READY Programme reflects the hospital’s commitment to developing young people and creating meaningful opportunities for them to explore the healthcare profession.

“Summer READY is about giving our young people an opportunity to experience healthcare beyond what they may have seen or learned in the classroom. Over the two weeks, our students were able to interact with healthcare professionals, observe different clinical environments and gain a better understanding of the dedication and teamwork required to care for our patients. We were impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn, and we hope this experience has inspired them to consider the many rewarding careers available in healthcare.”

By rotating through and gaining exposure to various clinical departments, students were also able to see that healthcare extends beyond the roles most commonly associated with a hospital. The programme introduced them to the range of skills, disciplines and professionals that work together to deliver safe, compassionate and high-quality patient care.

Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, said the hospital has an important role to play in building the human capacity needed to support the future development and sustainability of healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“As a hospital, our responsibility extends beyond providing healthcare services today; we also have an important role in helping to develop the people who will deliver and lead healthcare tomorrow. Human capacity building is essential to the long-term sustainability of our health system, and programmes such as Summer READY allow us to introduce young people to healthcare careers early, nurture their interests and help them understand the educational and professional pathways available to them.

By opening our clinical environment to students and providing mentorship and practical exposure, we are helping to build a pipeline of future nurses, physicians, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers. We want our young people to see that there is a place for their talents within the health sector and, importantly, that they can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are proud to play our part in investing in the next generation and strengthening our country’s future healthcare workforce.”

The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates of completion to the students, recognizing their successful participation and commitment throughout the two-week internship.

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital congratulates all of the students who successfully completed the Summer Ready Programme and extends its appreciation to the clinical teams, supervisors and staff members who provided mentorship, guidance and practical learning opportunities throughout the programme.

Through the Summer READY Programme and its wider education, training, internship and professional development initiatives, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital remains committed to supporting national human capacity development. By partnering with educational institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders, and by providing mentorship and practical learning opportunities within the healthcare environment, the Hospital aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals needed to meet the evolving health needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Bahamas News

More Bahamians Accessing HIV, STI Care Through NHI

Published

1 month ago

August 10, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.

NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.

“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.

The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”

The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.

NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.