Did you know that there are 2300 people reported missing every day?
Every evening, as I scan the list of missing persons, I am amazed to see how many are senior citizens.
According to TruTV, "Among missing adults, about one-sixth have psychiatric problems. Young men, people with drug or alcohol addictions and elderly citizens suffering from dementia make up other significant subgroups of missing adults."
Many don't realize that senior citizens that suffer from dementia will go for a simple walk and become lost. When they leave, they are feeling fine and know where they are going, but during their walk they will begin to forget what their mission was, they become confused and disoriented. They loose track of time, and a hour turns into a day.
Some are found, but sadly, many are not found, until it is too late. Sometimes, It is not until they become lost before anyone realizes that the senior is suffering from Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association report, "Generation Alzheimer’s," it is expected that 10 million baby boomers will either die with or from Alzheimer’s, the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression.
With more than 10,000 baby boomers a day turning 65, baby boomers will spend their retirement years either with Alzheimer's or caring for someone with Alzheimer's.
If you suspect either you or your parent has Alzheimer's, you might want to try contacting the Alzheimer's Association as they are the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, for help.
They can be reached at:
Email: info@alz.org
Phone: 800.272.3900
Alzheimer's Association
Public Policy Division
1212 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005-6105
Do you have a loved one who is missing and need my help getting their story told? If so, send me your story and pictures of your missing loved one, and I will feature the story on my Missing Persons column at the Examiner. Also, to learn about more missing person cases solved and unsolved, and to read advice on how to search for MP's check out Missing Persons of America.
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