Memory Problems: Wandering

Wandering can pose a major problem for the caregiver and can be dangerous for a person who has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Get a medical ID bracelet for the person so that you can be contacted if he or she wanders away. Try to figure out why the person wanders. He or she may be trying to find something…

Memory Problems: Wandering

Topic Overview

Wandering can pose a major problem for the caregiver and can be dangerous for a person who has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

Get a medical ID bracelet for the person so that you can be contacted if he or she wanders away.

  • Try to figure out why the person wanders. He or she may be trying to find something specific or looking for a familiar object. A person who wanders at a certain time of day may always have taken a walk or gone to work at that time.
  • Lock outside doors, and use alarms and other devices to alert you when the person wanders outdoors or into unsafe areas.
  • Provide a safe place for wandering, such as an enclosed yard or garden.

Related Information

Credits

Current as ofMay 28, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD – Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
Myron F. Weiner MD – Psychiatry, Neurology

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