Dementia and wandering
Families and carers of people with dementia may be faced at some time with the problem of what to do if the person begins to wander. Wandering is quite common amongst people with dementia and can be very worrying for those concerned for their safety and well being. The person’s failing memory and declining ability to communicate may make it impossible for them to remember or explain the reason they wandered.
Reasons for wandering
Changed environment
A person with dementia may feel uncertain and disoriented in a new environment such as a new house or day care centre. Wandering may stop once they become used to the change. The person may also want to escape from a noisy or busy environment.
Loss of memory
Wandering may be due to a loss of short-tem memory. A person may set off to go to the shop or a friend’s house, and then forget where they were going or why. Or they forget that their partner has told them that they were going out for a while and set off in search of them.
Excess energy
Wandering can be a way of using up excess energy, which may indicate that the person needs more regular exercise.
Searching for the past
As people become more confused, they may wander off in search of someone, or something, relating to their past. This may be a partner who has died, a lost friend or a house they lived in as a child.
Expressing boredom
As dementia progresses people find it harder and harder to concentrate for any length of time. Wandering may be their way of keeping occupied.
Confusing night with day
People with dementia may suffer from insomnia, or wake in the early hours and become disoriented. They may think it is daytime and decide to go for a walk. Poor eyesight or hearing loss may mean shadows or night sounds become confusing and distressing.
Continuing a habit
People who have been used to walking long distances may simply wish to continue doing so.
Agitation
Changes that have occurred in the brain may cause a feeling of restlessness and anxiety. Agitation can cause some people to pace up and down or to wander off with no apparent purpose. They may fail to recognise their own home and insist on leaving.
Discomfort or pain
Walking may ease discomfort, so it is important to find out if there is any physical problem or medical condition and try to deal with it. Tight clothing, excessive heat or needing to find a toilet can all cause problems.
A job to perform
Sometimes people leave the house because they believe they have a job to do, or are confused about the time of day, or the season. This may be related to a former role such as going to work in the morning or being home for the children in the afternoon.
Dreams
An inability to differentiate dreams from reality may cause the person to respond to something that they dreamed, thinking that this has happened in real life.
What to try
The precautions you take will depend on the personality of the person with dementia, as well as how well they are able to cope, their reasons for wandering and whether they live in a potentially dangerous or in a safe and secure environment.
- A physical check-up will help identify whether illness, pain or discomfort has triggered the wandering
- Discuss the side effects of medication with the doctor. Try to avoid medication which may increase confusion and cause drowsiness and possibly incontinence
- It is important to ensure that the person carries some form of identification in case they do get lost. An identity bracelet with name, address and telephone number can be very helpful when a person is missing or found. Another option is wearing a Medic Alert bracelet that gives a telephone number. Similarly it may be helpful to sew a nametag into every garment the person wears regularly. In some areas services are available where a person’s photo and profile is electronically recorded and easily accessed to alert authorities should the person be missing
- If staying away from home, such as on holidays, ensure that the person carries some form of identification that includes their current address
- Alzheimer’s Australia has Identification Cards available
- Some people find it helpful to keep a record or diary so that they can see if there is a pattern to the wandering behaviour. It may occur at certain times of the day or in response to certain situations which can then be more carefully controlled
- Try to reduce the number of objects in sight which may act as a reminder to the person to wander. Handbags, coats, mail for posting and work clothing may encourage a person with dementia to wander
- Sometimes it is sufficient simply to relocate door locks where the person will not think to look for them
- Consider bells and buzzers which sound when external doors are opened
- Make part of the garden secure so that it becomes a safe place to walk around
- It often makes sense to tell neighbours and local shopkeepers about the problem. Most people are very helpful once they understand the situation and may offer to keep a friendly eye on the person
If a person with dementia goes missing
- Stay calm
- Make a thorough search of the house and out-buildings
- Write down what the person was wearing
- Notify your neighbours
- Walk or drive around the block and immediate area and to any places the person may regularly visit. If possible, have somebody stay at home in case the person comes home and so that the telephone can be answered
- Contact your local police. Tell them the person has dementia and of any concerns you have for their safety
- The police will require details and a description of the person and of the clothes being worn. It is always useful to have a recent colour photo
- The police may also ask about familiar or favourite places for the person
When the missing person returns home
- Notify the police immediately
- Do not scold or show anxiety no matter how worried or inconvenienced you have been. They may have been confused and frightened themselves
- Provide reassurance and get back into a regular routine as quickly as possible
Who can help?
Discuss with the doctor your concerns about behaviour changes, and their impact on you.
Many people find it helpful to talk to a counsellor at Alzheimer’s Australia. Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) is a national telephone advisory service for families, carers and care workers who are concerned about the behaviours of people with dementia. The service provides confidential advice, assessment, intervention, education and specialised support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be contacted on 1800 699 799.
Last Reviewed: 01 April 2009
