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.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Myron F. Weiner, MD - Geriatric Psychiatry
Current as ofDecember 7, 2017
Current as of:
December 7, 2017