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Missing drivers with dementia: antecedents and recovery
Meredeth A Rowe1, Catherine A Greenblum, Marie Boltz
1College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. mrowe1@health.usf.edu
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 9, 2012
Summary
Silver Alert notifications aided law enforcement in finding missing drivers with dementia, though most were found near parked cars. This study highlights risks and outcomes for individuals with dementia who become lost while driving.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Individuals with dementia may become lost while driving, posing significant risks.
- Understanding the circumstances and outcomes of these events is crucial for public safety and caregiver support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circumstances surrounding missing drivers with dementia.
- To examine how missing drivers are located.
- To assess the effectiveness of Silver Alert notifications in these discoveries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study.
- Analysis of 156 Florida Silver Alert records (October 2008-May 2010) for missing drivers with dementia.
- Review of driver characteristics, event antecedents, and discovery details.
Main Results:
- Most missing drivers were men (58-94 years old), cared for by spouses, and became lost on routine trips.
- Law enforcement found the majority; only 15% were driving when located, often near parked cars.
- Significant geographic dispersion occurred, with 10% found in different states.
Conclusions:
- Silver Alert notifications were most effective for law enforcement agencies.
- 5% mortality was observed, with higher risk for those living alone.
- 15% were found in dangerous situations, and 32% exhibited dangerous driving behaviors.
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