Project Lifesaver Recognizes Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Bringing Loved Ones Home – November 2009

Project Lifesaver International, a non-profit organization specializing in training public safety agencies on search and rescue programs to help individuals with cognitive conditions, recognizes November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

According to the National Institutes of Health as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease - an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and intellectual function. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 60% of those with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point during the progression of the disease – many of them, repeatedly. Over a period of years, the disease leads to the loss of cognitive function and a long period of dependency. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for the disease - the incidence doubles every 5 years after age 65. The number of people age 65 and older in the United States is projected to double to 72 million by 2030, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s is expected to rise significantly as the nation’s population ages and life expectancies lengthen.

To help combat the issue of wandering, Project Lifesaver helps train public safety agencies to conduct search and rescue efforts by using state-of-the-art technology to find missing persons who wander, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These efforts have drastically reduced search times, and they have helped find loved ones quicker and easier with an average search time of 30 minutes or less. Project Lifesaver agencies have rescued over 2,000 cognitively challenged individuals successfully with no serious injuries or deaths reported. In addition to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Project Lifesaver would also like to recognize National Family Caregivers Month and thank caregivers for all they do for others.

Project Lifesaver Rescues This Month Involving Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

Wayne Township Fire Department, Indiana
A 79-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing on October 31 in Indianapolis. It was unknown how long the man had been missing, but rescue teams detected the clients’ signal and began following it using the search equipment. The man was located approximately 3 blocks away in good condition.

Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey
On November 3, an 85-year old female with Alzheimer’s disease disappeared in the evening. The woman was located 26 minutes following the time Project Lifesaver teams arrived on scene. Using search and rescue equipment, the officers were able to locate the woman quickly and in good condition.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia
On November 8, a 72-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing. Specially trained Project Lifesaver search and rescue teams began searching. The subject was located twelve miles from the point last seen and returned home safely with no injuries.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing and serious responsibility. This month, Project Lifesaver encourages all organizations, businesses, and individuals to educate themselves on Alzheimer’s disease and discover ways you can help bring awareness and support to your communities. More information can be found at www.projectlifesaver.org