Study Suggest Road Networks Contribute To Why People With Dementia Go Missing

(Photo: Gerd Altmann)

Fifty million people have Dementia, and there are 10 million new cases each year, according to the data showed by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO defined Dementia as a chronic illness in which deterioration in cognitive function takes place beyond what should be expected from normal aging. It also results in a variety of diseases that affects the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease. WHO added that Dementia is one of the primary causes of the disability of elders and can be overwhelming for people who have it and those who take care of them. Mayo Clinic said that Dementia can cause disorientation and can lead to wandering.

ALSO READ: Is Hearing Loss Responsible for Millions of Dementia Cases Worldwide? Here's What Scientists Say

Road Networks Linked to Dementia Patients

University of East Anglia (UEA) researchers studied numerous missing person police reports for Dementia people and found links to the surrounding road network. According to UEA's Norwich Medical School Professor Michael Hornberger, Ph.D., Dementia patients missing or getting lost is a global problem, and around 70% of them may go missing at least once, with some at risk of getting lost multiple times. He added that the first event of people with Dementia getting lost is sometimes when doing routine activities and can be life-threatening. Still, very little is known about what causes this phenomenon.

UEA research team examined the road networks' design if it could be a reason for Dementia patients to go missing. Vaisakh Puthusseryppady, a Ph. D. student from UEA Norwich Medical school, said that the study shows the higher the density of road intersections, the more complicated road intersections are, and the greater the risk for people with Dementia to get lost. Puthusseryppady added that each road intersections embodies a point where a person needs to make critical navigation decisions. She furthered that the more complex the meetings are, the more disorganized the overall road network is, which means a bigger problem for people with Dementia.

UEA led the study in collaboration with the University of Leeds, University College London, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and Norfolk Constabulary.

Reason for Wandering

According to Mayo Clinic, there are several reasons people with Dementia wanders then get lost, such as stress or fear from crowded places, searching for something or someone like past friends, looking for a bathroom or food, following past routines and visual-spatial problems. They also added that wandering risk might be higher for men than women, but it doesn't mean that it will not happen.

Alzheimer's Association reminds the family members and caregivers of people with Dementia to identify the times of the day when wandering might occur and plan an activity or exercise because it reduces anxiety, stress, and restlessness.

What should you do in case your loved one with Dementia gets lost?

Dementia Australia gave guidelines family members, and caregivers can follow when this occasion happens. They said that staying calm is the key. When relaxed enough, drive around the block or neighborhood, notify the neighbors, ask help from the authorities, and provide information such as how is your loved-ne dressed and where he/she regularly visits. They also emphasized that when Dementia or Alzheimer's patient gets back home, avoid scolding them, and go back to the routine immediately.

Check out more news and information on Alzheimer's Disease on MD News Daily.