Study looks at wanderings of Alzheimer's patients
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Dozens of Alzheimer's disease patients wander from their homes or caregivers each year, and a study explains that most of them do so because they are agitated or angry.
That's one of the conclusions of a year-long study by Meredeth Rowe of the College of Nursing and Institute of Aging at the University of Florida. Rowe analyzed data from the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return program, which helps return individuals who wander from their caregivers.
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For information on the Safe Return program, call 591-2771, or from the Neighbor Islands at (877) 43-ALOHA (432-5642).
Rowe reports that Alzheimer's patients are likely to wander when they are in unfamiliar situations and their caregivers become distracted. She also said that individuals are at greater risk of wandering if they are cared for by a son or daughter, rather than a spouse, because they are more likely to be left alone.
Hawai'i Alzheimer's advocates say the study is important because it will help them to advise caregivers on ways to prevent wandering.
"We're going to start targeting a lot more of the facilities to start talking about what you can do to reduce wandering," said Janet Bender, Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter executive director. "What are some environmental things you can do and maybe help them become more aware that there might be medical or physiological reasons."
Bender said caregivers don't always recognize causes of agitation.
"They could not be feeling well, and they're not able to express it. They could need to go to the bathroom, and they can't remember where to go. They could have agitation by thinking, 'I've got to take care of the children. I have to go do something.' They feel an urgent need to do something that they used to do from the past," she said.
Experts said that it is important that Alzheimer's patients not wander because nearly half of those who do may die if not found within 24 hours.
In Hawai'i, about 125 patients have been reported missing in the past 20 months and two have been found dead. At least seven have not been found, including Masayuki Kubo, 80, missing since June 23.
Bender urged family members and caregivers to register a patient with the association's Safe Return program. The program offers identification products, such as bracelets and pendants; a national database that includes photos; 24-hour toll-free crisis line; and wandering behavior education and training for caregivers and families.
Only about 700 of the state's estimated 19,700 Alzheimer's patients are registered.
There is a $40, one-time fee for the program, but it can be waived if a family cannot afford it.
