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Wandering Dementia-A Syndrome with Forensic Implications.
Roger W Byard1,2, Neil E I Langlois1,2
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Frome Rd., Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 7, 2018
Summary
Dementia patients who wander can die from exposure or drowning. This forensic study highlights the risks associated with dementia wandering, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and care.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Gerontology
- Neurology
Background:
- Wandering behavior is a common and dangerous symptom in individuals with dementia.
- Such incidents can lead to severe injury or death, posing significant challenges for caregivers and healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze forensic cases involving individuals with dementia who died after wandering from home or residential facilities.
- To identify common causes of death and contributing factors in these cases.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective search of files from Forensic Science South Australia between 1998 and 2018.
- Inclusion criteria: individuals with dementia found deceased after being reported missing.
Main Results:
- Nine cases were identified (6 males, 3 females; age 54-92).
- Six deaths were unnatural (hypothermia, drowning, train impact); two were natural (heart disease); one was undetermined.
- Exposure and drowning were significant causes of death, with five fatalities occurring in winter.
Conclusions:
- Lethal wandering in dementia is an increasing concern for forensic pathology due to the aging population.
- Cases highlight the critical importance of duty of care and consideration of suicide in evaluating deaths related to dementia wandering.
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