Media Release Jan 29 2008

Vainly searching for happier times

Last year more than 6,500 people over the age of 65 years were reported missing in New South Wales, accounting for more than 40% of all missing persons.

A major proportion of this older group were considered to have dementia.

Dementia refers to a group of illnesses that cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. This deterioration often involves loss of memory, intellect, rationality and social skills. More common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontal lobe dementia, Lewy body dementia.

Dementia sufferers have a higher predisposition to be reported missing due to “wandering“. People with dementia appear to wander for many reasons. They are often searching for the past or attempting to undertake a task such as visit a friend and forget midway through the exercise what it is they were doing.

Failing memory and a reduced ability to communicate often make
it difficult for people with dementia to explain why they have wandered or even remember themselves why they have gone.

Julia Poole from Royal North Shore Hospital’s Aged Care and Rehabilitation Unit makes the following recommendations.

“If you come across a person who doesn’t seem to know where they are or where they should be, approach them in a friendly manner and try and find out their purpose. Where do they want to go? How can you help them find what they are looking for?”

“It’s important to be calm and friendly, as the person may be highly anxious and frightened,” says Julia.

There are several organisations in New South Wales which provide support to dementia patients, their families and carers. One key service is the provision of identification bracelets.

Those at risk of becoming lost wear a personalised stainless steel bracelet in which an identification number and phone number, linked to a database, are inscribed. Upon finding a lost person, the toll free phone number can be called which links to NSW police. Police will arrange to safely transfer the person back to their home or carer.

The two biggest risk factors for dementia are getting older and your genes. As yet nothing can be done to prevent ageing or to change your basic genetic makeup. However, it is possible to do something about other health issues that may increase the possibility of dementia. These health issues include diabetes, high cholesterol levels and smoking.

Overall studies have shown that the risk of developing dementia can be reduced by actively keeping a healthy mind. Actions recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association’s ‘ Mind Your Mind Signposts’ program include:

Complete cross words, sodoku, and word puzzles
Take up a hobby
Learn something new
Read and write. Instead of calling a friend for a chat, write a letter or an email
Engage in physical exercise to encourage blood flow to the brain.
Eating brain friendly foods such as fish and nuts
Participate in social activities

Alzheimer’s Australia offers support, information, education and counselling. You can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit www.alzheimers.org.au

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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